Kifayath MOROU, Togo
In Togo, 75 % of children do not have access to books. Access to books was a turning point in my life, which is why I created the Mobile Library. I knew that with books, lives could be changed.
In 2018, during my Mobile Library tour, I met Darling and our encounter changed everything for both of us. Me, as a Mobile Library initiator, and him as a high school student. Darling is a 17 years old boy who lives at Noépé with his mother and attends the Public High School of the village where he is in 10th grade. For all the young people who come to the Mobile Library, we ensure that they learn the skills they need through books to succeed in school and in life.
Darling, was the only student in the Mobile Library group at this high school, to fail during the 2018-2019 school year. And, for 2019- 2020, the entire teaching staff was already predicting him to fail. It was said that “if only one student had to retake the class it could only be him“. On top of that he was labeled a rude little bandit and he took it very seriously.
Despite everything that was said about Darling, it didn’t make any difference for me, I saw something in him and wanted to help him. So, I turned to my books and found multiple ways to keep faith, to give him courage and to coach him.
I decided to call the principal of the school where Darling goes. Luckily, Darling’s mother was there that day and I was able to talk to her for the first time. I suggested that we meet in person and brainstorm together on how to help her son. After meeting with the mother, I offered to go to her house every Sunday to help Darling with his studies. He was behind in many of his classes, but together he and I came up with a solid study plan that we followed for 9 weeks until the exam day. As I anticipated, Darling really showed commitment and courage throughout the process in a way that exceeded my expectations. He passed the exam well prepared.
In the end, Darling passed the exam with honors. There are a lot of Darlings out there, who need help. And I believe I can reach them through Books promotion.
I have seen over the years young leaders in my community taking part in this prestigious fellowship and coming back to give back and achieve incredible things. This is the main reason that drew me to the Mandela Fellowship Program. I wanted to learn, to share with and to discover from other people, other cultures and successful young leaders.
My goals for the MWF are
- Access to quality training to enhance the impact of my activities.
- Meet like-minded young leaders and sponsors and partners for future co-operations on my project.
- Gain Know-How and experience from the American people.
I choose to be in the “Leadership in Public Management” track in the hope that it will provide me with an overview of public management and leadership.
I was really amazed to be placed in the Institute at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. I discovered a Warrior Spirit way of doing things that I like and started using that to guide my work.
I will be happy to build and sustain connections with the Community Foundation in Detroit, particularly the Pontiac Community Foundation.
Kifayath MOROU, Social Entrepreneur, Founder at Association Be a Blessing.