Dily

‘Dily’ is from Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa. As the daughter of a soap factory worker and educator, Dily values hard work, even when it feels like an uphill battle. Mali is a country riddled with issues: rampant malnutrition, poor healthcare, fierce militant groups, gender-based violence, and poor infrastructure. Struggling to meet basic needs and earn fees to pay for her education, Dily understands she must stay positive and work hard. She attributes her optimistic attitude to her strong faith.

While Mali is a primarily Muslim country, being one of less than two percent of Christians is a rare experience. During some of her most tumultuous years, Dily began to rely heavily on her faith. She believed that prayer was the only solution when facing challenges. In moments of overwhelming difficulty, she sought solace in Jesus and her Christian community. She knew she wanted to serve others when she witnessed her mother step into the role of a Young Life leader. Currently, Dily serves as a team leader for her area. She feels so overwhelmed by the Lord’s love, that words fail her when trying to express her gratitude.

As a Developing Global Leader, Dily attends a local university, intending to earn a degree in human resource management. She hopes to improve her family's life and help companies recruit talented individuals who want to make a difference in Mali. Dily wants to “be an example for children and leaders in the future and continue to share the Gospel with those she encounters."