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Fatou Binetou Fall, Senegal

In 2002 Fatoumata Binetou Fall was admitted to Maison d’é ducation Mariama Bâ, a national school in Senegal reserved for girls who score among the top 100 nationally on the “ Entrée en Sixième” primary school leaving exam. And every year since then, Fatou has been the number one student in her class – due in no small part to her unquenchable thirst for knowledge and serious attitude towards her education.

But Fatou is not the typical academician who buries herself only in her studies. Instead, she has played a crucial role in reinvigorating the stagnant extracurricular climate at her school. According to Fatou, “The school should encourage students to become actively involved in order to develop a spirit of curiosity, teamwork, entrepreneurship and leadership.” When she noticed some extracurricular clubs struggling and even collapsing, Fatou recruited friends and teachers to spearhead a school-wide revival. They are now establishing a poetry and theatre club and launching a new school newspaper.

Fatou also dedicates her time to the broader community in Senegal, noting that “this beautiful haven of peace is unfortunately affected by poverty and suffering.” In addition to educating the community about HIV/AIDS and its socioeconomic impact, Fatou expresses her passion for the environment by actively participating in reforestation efforts. In the future Fatou plans to study mathematics or social sciences and says, “My greatest dream is to become a leader of UNESCO to help children enjoy their full rights and gain access to education.”