A scholarship, a dream and a transformed life: Diariou's struggle
At the age of 15, she escaped a forced marriage and continued her education thanks to scholarships from the American Fund for UNICEF
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Diarou could have been forced into marriage at the age of 15 and seen her dream of becoming a doctor disappear. But thanks to UNICEF scholarships funded by the American Fund for UNICEF, she was able to continue her education.
Diarou, now 19, tells us her story from her village in Dounet, in the Mamou region of Guinea: ‘When I was 15, my family arranged my marriage to a much older cousin. I didn't want this furture, and I certainly didn't want to give up my dreams.’ Like many young girls around her, she knew what such a marriage meant:
"A married girl stops going to school. I was afraid. I didn't want that life"
she confides.
To defend her right to education, like many young girls in the same situation, Diariou had to face multiple pressures: social, cultural, financial and family. But in the midst of this turmoil, she was able to count on essential support: her older brother. Thanks to him, she found the courage to stand up for herself and continue her studies .’
Education is the best shield against early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence. With the support of its partners, UNICEF raises awareness among families about the importance of education to ensure that every girl can learn and succeed.
Diariou was able to convince her family largely thanks to the school scholarship programme in Guinea, implemented by UNICEF with funding from the American Fund. This financial support enables adolescent girls to stay in school, focus on their studies, and believe in their ambitions, while strengthening their right to education and their independence.
Her mother, Fatoumata, is now a proud witness : ‘Diariou passed her exams. She is serious. She will succeed.’ Today, she encourages other mothers to listen to their daughters:
"Let them study. Let them grow''
By continuing her studies, Diariou has become a true role model for other young girls in her community. She leads awareness-raising sessions to encourage them to refuse child marriage and claim their right to education. ‘I tell them: don't accept it. You have the right to study, to choose your own future.’
A scholarship recipient since Year 8, Diarou obtained her Junior Secondary Certificate in 2025 and will soon start Year 11.
Diarou's story reminds us that a scholarship can do much more than finance an education: it can save a dream, transform a destiny and pave the way for an entire generation of girls.
