When Mariama first arrived in the M’bera refugee camp from Mali, she was looking for ways to keep busy outside of school hours. Part of her loved the quiet moments, relaxing in the shade of the trees with a book or listening to music. But the extraverted side of Mariama was also pulled in another direction - towards the volleyball court.

It was her friends who introduced her to the sport and despite the initial skepticism, she quickly fell in love with the game. It’s on that court, that she met her best friend Ayisha, and even though they were on different teams, they now act and feel more like sisters.

For her, it’s more than just a sport - it’s a way to connect with others, build lasting friendships, and improve her communication skills both on and off the court. When she’s playing, everything else fades away; the noise of the outside world quiets, and all that matters is the rhythm of the game and the movement of the ball. While the game is fun, there’s also no denying Mariama's competitive streak. It shines through clearly every time she launches a powerful smash over the net, her determination and focus written all over her face.