A successful first academic year at the Zorokoro Children’s Complex

As the first academic year at the Zorokoro Children’s Complex came to a close, we were overwhelmed by how hard the young students had worked and how Mariam, our kindergarten teacher and her teaching assistant Dramane, nurtured and prioritized the development of each and every student.

Thanks to the generosity of the family of ACFA supporter, Shahida-Ihab, who passed away way too early from cancer, an annual award has been established for the top performing student in her honor. The award is called The Shahida-Ihab Award and was awarded to this year’s top performing student: Nieba Bagayoko.

Who is Nieba?

Nieba is a talented five year old from the village of Zorokoro. She is not an ACFA child, but she lives in a surrounding village and attends school at the Zorokoro Children’s Complex. She is cared for by her mother, as her father passed away when she was two years old. Even though it is very difficult for her mother to support her as a single parent, she is managing to take care of her daughter.

Monday through Friday Nieba gets taken to school by her uncle on his motorbike to avoid having to walk a far distance to school at such a young age. It is through the support of her mother, family, and teachers that Nieba has the opportunity to thrive in school.

Nieba is a good listener, follows directions, and performs very well on all her tasks and assignments. With her award and $100 prize, a doll and clothes were purchased for Nieba, since her teachers assessed Nieba did not have enough clothing.

Congratulations to Nieba and all our ACFA children!