The Michele Sylvester Scholarship (MSS) program, started in 1993 and named in memory of a former PCV in Senegal, aims to close the gender gap in Senegalese education by supporting middle-school girls who show a combination of academic promise and financial need. The selection process is conducted by faculty, but is facilitated by local PCVs and is based on the applicant’s personal essay, interview, grade report, and recommendations.
In May 2015 I assisted the Bandafassi volunteer with the initial implementation phase by interviewing scholarship recipients. In June 2016, I organized the implementation and selection of MSS recipients in my village of Thiabedji. To do this, I met with the Middle School Principal and teachers to collect recommendations and individually interviewed the selected girls. In October 2016, their school fees were paid for the year and a small ceremony was held at the school where the girls were recognized for their hard work and awarded with school supplies paid for by MSS.
Maria Castrillon 