A New Path for Mourtala: Overcoming Challenges to Pursue Education
At 19 years old, Mourtala Ndongo is in the 5th grade in the community of Ndongo. The son of Ndeye Daba Cissé and Modou, Mourtala has a passion for mathematics and dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. However, his journey to education was not straightforward. He started school late because he first attended a Koranic school, a common path for many children in his community.
Mourtala’s mother, Ndeye, also had the opportunity to go to school as a child but was unable to complete her education. She reflects on her own experience with deep emotion: "When I was young, I had the chance to attend school until the 6th grade. My parents accepted that I learn French, but they didn’t understand the importance of a girl’s education. So when my sister had babies, they sent me to help her because she needed it. It is something that still hurts me. I know how to read and write, which helps me, but if I had my diplomas, I know I would have a better life. That’s why, when my son decided to go to the French school, I didn’t hesitate to send him."
Mourtala’s transition from religious studies to formal education wasn’t easy. He spent three years at the Koranic school before visiting home one summer with his brother and expressing a strong desire to continue his education in French instead. His parents fully supported his decision, despite knowing the difficult conditions he would face at the local school.
"He was doing well at school despite the bad conditions they were facing every day," Ndeye recalls. "I was always scared when he went to school because I knew it was not safe. I thought they could call me anytime for an injury. It was not safe."
The school’s conditions were harsh. Tiny, overcrowded classrooms, extreme heat, and a severe lack of benches made learning uncomfortable. Yet, Mourtala remained determined, motivated by his parents’ unwavering support.
"I know that I will never regret this decision (going to the French school), even though the conditions were horrible," Mourtala shares. "The old school was very tiny, hot, and dusty. We didn’t have enough benches, and the class was overcrowded. But my parents encouraged me every day, and that was my biggest motivation."
After years of struggling in an inadequate learning environment, hope finally arrived with buildOn and Educate A Child (EAC). The entire community rejoiced when they learned that these organisations would be constructing a new, safe, and spacious school in Ndongo.
"It was a big relief when the director told us that buildOn would come to the community," Ndeye says with gratitude. "We all know the incredible work they do for the population. I will never thank them enough. Now, I have peace of mind when my son goes to school because I know there is no danger there. We appreciate everything they have done for us. The construction was fast, and we loved their methodology. Women realised our strength during the process—we were digging foundations, making bricks... It was a beautiful moment we shared together. I thank buildOn and EAC a lot."
For Mourtala, the transformation was life-changing. The new school has given him a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
"This new school is very beautiful. The classrooms are big and airy. The benches are spacious and comfortable. I thank buildOn and EAC a lot for this beautiful gift," he says. "This is a big motivation for me. I will work hard to make my parents proud because I saw how hard they worked during the construction just to ensure we have a better learning environment."
The entire community of Ndongo shares in this gratitude, knowing that this school is not just a building; it is a beacon of hope, progress, and opportunity for generations to come.
