Nana

My name is Nana (name changed for safety) and I live in a sprawling city in Mali. Marked by hardship, my family was unable to provide a home that fostered support and security for all of their children. As a result, I left home at a young age. The effect of separating from my parents as a teenager taught me to rely on God. My character and my faith were greatly influenced by my uncle who was a pastor. He took me into his home and provided for all of my needs. When he died, I felt a great void in my life. I learned to revitalize myself in the Word of God mirroring the ways he had taught me. I now believe that my greatest attribute is patience and reliance on God. With the help of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying marketing and communications at a local university and will be the first in my family to graduate from university. Ultimately, my heart is to be a light in my community and show others that there is always hope in the face of despair.