Marie is a social entrepreneur! She leads a variety of activities for the benefit of her community; she wears many hats. The first one is that of a writer. At 23, Marie is the author of two successful novels. The first book, “Un Lion en cage,” was published in June 2016 by Harmattan Senegal and is prizewinner for Senegal’s first lady’s big price for the promotion of woman’s literature. It focusses on rural exodus, illegal immigration and the search for happiness. The second book, ‘’Gemini,’’ was published in July 2017 by Harmattan and addresses the issue of homelessness and social rejection of which one can be victim.
She has received numerous literary prizes, such as ” Le prix de la parole aux étudiants” awarded by the circle of French economists, the prize ” Certamen de literario ” awarded by the Spanish ambassador of Senegal, and a third prize given by “Slamer pour elles.” Through writing, she sensitizes, impacts minds, souls, and almost talks about many themes. In January 2018, she organized a series of workshops at the College Sacre Coeur. The goal was to enable other young people to complete a writing project, to ultimately create a new generation of writers.
She is also the founder and CEO of her own start-up ”Ecobuilders Made in Senegal ” specializing in recycled materials construction methods. This company received the first prize of the most innovative company by the French Embassy in Senegal.
Marie is the president of the association RAI (Rever, Agir, Impacter), which leads a variety of awareness campaigns on important themes. After the delivery of her first novel and its positive impact, she sought a way to further impact her community, which led to the creation of RAI. This association gathers dynamic young people who aim to lead a variety of social actions with high impact. Her vision asks: Who better than young people can explain to their peers the problems that most concern us? RAI has organized awareness days on breast cancer and school harassment at both John F Kennedy High School and Sacre Coeur College. Doctors and law students came to talk to young students about those topics. RAI is currently in the middle of a fundraising campaign for nurseries and orphanages.
Since 2018, Ndéye Marie Aida has been named a SUSI’S (Study of US Institutes for Young Students Leaders) Fellow, an Ashoka Africa Youth Champion, and a Youth Connekt Africa Awardee.
Her dream is an ideal: “The cultural enrichment, to be able to live, to evolve in other communities of the world, but especially the acquisition of new entrepreneurial skills, an evolution in my approach and her vision, a confirmation of my choice to undertake at a young age.”