What Are You Most Passionate About?

Helping people in need. In darker times, I was a homeless on the streets of Chicago in the wintertime.  An American took me to the Salvation Army and introduced me to a program called “TLC”. They gave me a room and a job.  I couldn’t believe it!  I stayed there for 3 years and that ignited the fire in me to help others. I wanted to pay it forward so I made a vow to myself that when I returned home to Guinea I would do my best to help others in my impoverished community.

Who Is Your Hero? Why?

R. Kelly. One day in the TLC program they asked me which famous person I’d like to meet. I answered R. Kelly and then he came to visit!  He took me to his house, gave me clothes and showed me his studio. His life story really inspired me as he started his career singing in the subway.

What Is Your Favorite Sound?

The Koran being chanted.

What Project Would A Laptop Help You With?

In Boké village where my family is from, we go door-to-door to meet with families and explain the issues and health risks associated with female circumcision. Men often marry multiple times because the women are not enjoying their marriages. Women can also have health complications and die from child birth due to this outdated practice. We are a new generation, and as such we should not be held down by traditions that only serve to sow despair and inequality. Though circumcision carries a jail sentence in Guinea, it is still widely practiced as part of the cultural tradition.

How would a laptop help you?

A laptop would help to keep records of my work; who we’ve already visited and who still needs to be visited. It would also allow me to show videos to families about the impact and risks associated with female circumcision. The government has provided us with amazing videos to accomplish this. When you have a laptop, you can take it around and use it to spread knowledge to people who lack access and can’t read.

What do you love about this project?

That we are protecting so many girls. I have two daughters myself.  My wife is a victim of female circumcision, and she is always begging me to protect our children.

What Languages do you speak?

Susu, Diakanke, Malinke, French and English.

Given a choice, would you prefer a Mac or PC?

Mac