money left over. It was with the extra cash that Balde was able to have her books printed. “I didn't want to go shopping. I was like, you know, I want to do something impactful not only for me but trying to help the community,” Balde said. Through Savvy Yazzy, Balde shares the beauty in her Fulani heritage with English readers. Plus, with every sale, Balde donates a portion of the proceeds to IPS’ Newcomer Program. Since it was published in September, Balde says she has been able to donate a few hundred dollars to the program. In addition to sharing her Fulani culture with American readers and donating money to the Newcomer Program, Balde volunteers weekly at the Newcomer Program, where she often brings clothes, books, and other items that she will buy with her paychecks or that are donated by some of her colleagues for the children.
“I try to bring them something for free, like maybe candy, bookmarks, pencils; really anything,” Balde said. Balde says the most impactful part of being at Ivy Tech Indy, amongst many, was having the opportunity to take college courses while continuing her English classes. And second, Honor’s College. After graduating from Ivy Tech Indianapolis this summer, Balde plans to move on to an Indiana-based four-year school and continue with the Honor’s College program. Balde’s goal for the future is to continue on the International Relations track and eventually become an ambassador for Guinea to advocate for women’s rights. “I want to help women in my country. I want to help them to be educated. Show them that we women in Africa, we can be leaders and raise our voices,” Balde said. “I want to fight for that and help them to understand that we women are capable.”
24 | Ivy Indy
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