Fatmata’s Story
“I now have reason to believe that brighter days are ahead.”
Fatmata, a proud and independent 18-year-old woman, is thrilled to be agent as she can be her own boss and provide for her family. For years, she dreamed of following her friends who travelled to Europe with the hope of finding a better future. Despite being conscious of the risks of the journey, she was “prepared to die trying”.
Fatmata’s confidence has grown working as an Agent, and she feels more respected within her community. She enjoys the independence that being a business owner gives her.
Fatmata is no longer thinking about leaving her country. She is now focused on developing her business and has taken
the West Africa Senior Secondary School Examination with the hope of completing her education. Now that she is able to save more than half of her earnings as agent, Fatmata feels more positive about the future.
Since becoming a MOPO Agent, Fatmata’s prospects have drastically changed.
Four months after starting with MOPO, she launched her own business selling garments on credit, complementing her work as a MOPO Agent.
Her combined earnings help her provide for herself and her family.
“Now that I have my own business, I get to decide what should happen and when it should happen. It’s nice to have that level of control.
Prior to becoming an Agent, I almost decided to attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to get to Italy. Now that I have this job [with MOPO] I’m able to calm my mind and forget about leaving the country.”
