The World Science Scholars (WSS) program, an initiative of the World Science Festival, announced its newest class of 52 Scholars—exceptionally talented mathematical minds, hailing from 22 countries. WSS brings Scholars together with world-renowned experts in an interdisciplinary and multi-layered online program that encourages the Scholars to explore new scientific areas in which their extraordinary skills can be applied.
“I am Fatima, 16 years old. I am grateful to the Visiola Foundation for educating girls in STEM fields. I am Fulani, from the northern part of Nigeria, where girls are often not allowed to attend school and are married at a young age. If they do go to school, they are strongly discouraged from pursuing STEM subjects because, as they say, it’s too difficult for girls. However, the After-School STEM Clubs for Girls at my school made STEM easy and fun, and our teachers helped us realize that girls can succeed in these fields. Additionally, I didn’t have access to a laptop, phone, or the internet, but the Visiola Foundation made these available to me. They supported me during my World Science application by providing me with a device. In 2023, I was selected as a World Science Scholar. The Foundation has continued to support me with data, calls, and everything needed to attend all my courses. I have also been invited to New York for the World Science Festival. I didn’t have a passport, but the Visiola Foundation helped me get one. Now, I look forward to going to the US.
Thank you, Visiola, for the hope you have given me and millions of African girls like me, helping us realize our futures are bright and beautiful. To the co-founders, sponsors, board members, mentors, and my teachers, I pray that Almighty God blesses you all for what you’re doing for the African girl child—promoting inclusion and breaking gender barriers.”
