From the very beginning of the program, Fatoumata Diarra (YES 2020-2021, Mali, virtually placed with PAX in Bargersville, IN), her host family, coordinator, and virtual pal have had to be a little creative in order to stay in touch with one another, not only because of the time difference, but also because of the unpredictable internet connectivity in Mali. If a video call isn’t possible, they share text messages, photos, or recorded videos. Despite the connectivity issues, Fatoumata has developed a great relationship with her virtual host family. She says, “I love the entire host family” and says she has developed a special bond with her host mom Michelle, who she describes as “kind and caring.” Fatoumata and her host family have learned a lot about each other’s cultures and traditions, from food, trips, holidays, and everyday life, to current events and COVID-19 issues in both the United States and Mali. Fatoumata especially enjoyed her little host brother Leo’s birthday celebration and the photos of the host family dressed as pirates during their trip to Florida and Universal Studios. Her host family have especially enjoyed her presentation about Tabaski, the Muslim Eid al-Adha “Feast of the Sacrifice,” which is an important celebration in Mali, and learning about the traditional clothes that women wear in African weddings and the gorgeous henna that the women decorate their hands and feet with. 

Fatoumata and her virtual pal Kylie have become best friends. “We share about our schools, Mali and American culture, food, Girl Scout cookies, President's Day, Valentine’s Day, and much more. Kylie is kind, friendly and lovely. Thanks to her and some other American friends I have made through the Peer-to-Peer program, my English has improved a lot,” reported Fatoumata.  

Participating in the virtual program has also helped Fatoumata learn to manage her time and find balance between the time spent on family chores, schoolwork, and the many activities of the YES virtual program. Her favorite activities were learning about Black History Month in the United States, attending the Disability Awareness webinar, and participating in the Plastic Pollution project. The Plastic Pollution project was developed and implemented by a group of FLEX and YES virtual students and American students of the IB Program of Plymouth High School in Canton, MI, who share the common belief that it is important to explore the causes, impact, and complicated reality of plastic pollution. “As a group we wanted to raise awareness about the consequences of Plastic Pollution. It does not matter where you are located, in Mali, U.S. or other countries; we all share the responsibility of taking care of our environment,” says Fatoumata. As part of the project, they created an Instagram account, @pax_plastic_pollution. In addition, she gave a country presentation to a class of fifth graders and is looking forward to discussing Ramadan traditions along with some PAX YES alumni for a Johnson County Public Library presentation and participating in a YES Alumni “Virtual Storytelling” festival.  

Fatoumata’s positive attitude is contagious; she has proven to be a wonderful ambassador for her country Mali, the PAX organization, and the YES program.