‘My Dream’: North Carolina man wants to help school kids with scratch prizes

KINSTON, NC (WGHP) – South Carolina resident Souleymane Sana plans to use his $100,000 scratch prize to help school children from his hometown in Mali, Africa.

“I will continue to do my best to support the construction of more classrooms for the children in Mali,” said Sana. “That’s what really makes me happy.”

Sana said he started a non-profit organization to help residents in his home country.

“It was my dream,” he said. “That was one of the main reasons I bought this scratch card, to be able to continue helping them.”

The 39-year-old dance teacher bought his winning ticket from Neuse Shop & Fuel on West New Bern Road in Kinston.

“I love dancing and I want to teach the children in Mali to love it too,” he said. “When you talk about culture and education, both belong together. Part of the money will be used to build a dance center there.”

Sana picked up his prize at the lottery headquarters.

After deducting required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $71,259.

“My dream is coming true step by step and I hope it will continue,” said Sana.