Mariama Jalloh, one of the nine extraordinary girls featured in the Girl Rising film, graduated college with a B.S. in physics from Fourah Bay College at University of Sierra Leone and is now a graduate student in Renewable Energy. Virginia Terry, Girl Rising's V.P. of Communications had the opportunity to meet with Mariama to hear more about her education journey, her work in the renewable energy field and her passion for girls' education.
Q: Congratulations on all you have achieved, Mariama. Can you tell us what inspired you to pursue a Masters Degree in Renewable Energy
Mariama: My interest in renewable energy really started many years ago, even when I was a young girl. I regularly saw my community facing difficulties with electricity and ongoing power outages and I could see how that affected schools, homes, health care centers and my own family. In secondary school I was really drawn to math and physics and realized STEM was my path. Seeing the need for renewable energy solutions because of all the disruptions, I decided to pursue the field in my graduate studies and in my career so I could bring a positive impact in my community. With a lot of encouragement and mentoring and support, I was able to complete my B.S. in Physics from Fourah Bay College at the University of Sierra Leone. And I started my graduate studies in Renewable Energy this year. I am already seeing the promise of renewable energy projects I’ve been involved in. One pivotal moment was when I completed an off-grid solar energy project at the York Village Community Health Center. With solar energy, they now have a reliable source of power which means better care for patients. Seeing the immediate positive impact on healthcare and the community's quality of life made me realize how education had equipped me to make a real difference. It was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of knowledge and education.
Q: Where do you see the renewable energy industry going in Sierra Leone and in other regions?
Mariama: Here in Sierra Leone, we have frequent power outages and an overreliance on fossil fuels. Renewable energy is so important because it offers a sustainable and environmentally-friendly solution to our energy needs. It has the potential to transform communities, improve quality of life, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Renewable energy can address multiple global challenges at once, including climate change, energy poverty, and economic development. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy access, we can improve healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, especially in underserved areas. Renewable energy also promotes energy independence and resilience, which are essential for sustainable development.
Q: Cleary education has played an important role in your life. What were some of the challenges you had to overcome in your early years before you were part of the Girl Rising film?
Mariama: Yes, accessing education was tough, mainly due to financial constraints and cultural expectations that often prioritize boys’ education over girls’. My family, especially my father, didn’t always have enough funds to send all of us to school because there were so many children. There were times when I had to pause my studies to help support my family financially. And with the lack of reliable electricity in our community, studying at night was really difficult.
Q: You began working with the Girl Rising film team to tell your story when you were in secondary school. What was that experience like for you, to go through the filming process and then see your story in the final film?
My interaction with Girl Rising started when I was studying at the St. Joseph Senior secondary School. It felt amazing. It was incredibly exciting and being featured in a film was truly a transformative experience. It gave me a platform to share my story and inspire other young girls in Sierra Leone, and beyond. The exposure helped me to realize the power of education and the importance of advocating for girls rights.
At that time, I was in school, and all my friends were like, “Oh, wow! You're on Youtube! Have you seen your movie? All of my friends were like, “oh, we are all celebrities!”
After the film, Girl Rising provided my siblings and me with support and access to fully funded scholarships for all of our education, not just the tuition but also the books, materials, and personal items. It truly changed our lives. Girl Rising inspired my siblings to pursue their education goals, and strive for excellence. All the support created a culture of learning and aspiration within my family.
For me, it meant I had the resources to continue my education without interruption. This support allowed me to focus on my studies and pursue my passion for renewable energy.
Q: And now you are looking toward a career as a changemaker and problem-solver around energy and climate change. What are some of your career goals?
Mariama: After completing my graduate studies, I aim to work on large-scale renewable energy projects that provide sustainable power solutions to rural and underserved communities in Sierra Leone and beyond. I also plan to advocate for policies that support, enable energy adoption, and continue to mentor and inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM.
I think more women being in the STEM field will help my country as a whole. Women can make a huge difference in this field. We know exactly the challenges we face. We are the ones who are the front lines of climate change issues and energy poverty. So I think it’s vital to encourage more girls and women to choose STEM careers and help develop the country as a whole.
Q: Looking back on your journey. You're still very young, but you've done so much. What are you most proud of?
Mariama: I am most proud of the impact I have made through my work in renewable energy, seeing the positive changes in communities such as improved healthcare service and better quality of life brings me immense satisfaction.
I am also proud of overcoming the challenges I face in accessing education and using those experiences to inspire and support other girls.
Q: What is your message to other girls and young women?
Mariama: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Pursue your goals with determination and resilience and don't be afraid to seek out mentors, support networks and help. Education is powerful. It can open doors to incredible opportunities. Your challenges are stepping stones of greatness. Embrace them. Learn from them. Remember that your potential is limitless, and you have the power to make a significant impact in your community and beyond.
Q: Finally, what's your hope for the future of girls’ education and empowerment?
Mariama: My hope is that every girl, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to access quality education, and pursue their dreams. I envision a future where girls are empowered to take on leadership roles, contribute to sustainable development and drive positive change in their communities and beyond. Education is the key to unlocking their potential, and I am committed to advocating for it.
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