"There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing that MMEG’s commitment extends beyond financial aid; it aims to inspire and motivate grantees to, in turn, give back to their communities and contribute to a greater good, creating a ripple effect of positive change.”
Ndeye Fatou Nakoulima, from Senegal and France, is a long-time selection committee member (or “reader”)—first with the South Africa Selection Committee and now as chair of the France Selection Committee. In this interview, she tells us about her experience.
How did you come to volunteer as a member of the France Selection Committee. What motivates you to volunteer your time in this way?
After having had the privilege of participating in the South Africa Selection Committee, it was an immense honor for me to join the France Selection Committee. My commitment to civic action and volunteering has always been a deep conviction. I firmly believe that volunteering is a tangible and essential way to contribute positively to society, to make a real difference, and to put my skills at the service of a cause that is close to my heart. Volunteering for the France Program represents for me not only the continuation of a personal commitment, but also a chance to learn, share, and enrich myself through contact with new cultures and different challenges.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being on a selection committee?
Several aspects excite me. First, the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated committee members, each bringing their experience and dynamism. Then, the satisfaction of knowing that we will offer a significant contribution to future grantees, help that can be decisive in the realization of their life projects.
What is the most challenging part of being on a selection committee?
I would say putting aside personal bias and maintaining the greatest possible objectivity in order to select the most deserving candidates, given the very limited number of grants available.
What do you think is the best thing about the MMEG selection process? What makes it unique?
On the one hand, the diversity of our readers’ profiles offers a multitude of perspectives. On the other hand, the rigor of our processes, including several rounds of reviews and interviews with the semi-finalists, ensures that we have done our best to select the best of the best.
What do you enjoy most about meeting/talking with candidates/grantees? What do you take away from it?
It is truly a profound pleasure to witness firsthand the immense significance of this grant to the recipients. Hearing their personal stories and understanding how this support will empower them to pursue their individual journeys, whether academic, professional, or personal, is incredibly rewarding. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing that MMEG’s commitment extends beyond financial aid; it aims to inspire and motivate grantees to, in turn, give back to their communities and contribute to a greater good, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
The selection process itself is an extraordinarily inspiring experience. Each candidate we encounter is a testament to the human spirit's remarkable strength and determination. Their resilience in overcoming challenges, their unwavering engagement with their studies and communities, and their ambitious aspirations for the future are truly humbling. The applicants embody hope and potential, making the selection process not just a task, but a privilege to witness such dedication and drive.
If you are interested in volunteering as a selection committee member, please apply at contact@mmeg.org
Click here to read about MMEG’s selection committee process.
