This year the Girls Project has respected the tradition it has established during the first year of the project in 2016: to bring together, after nine months of hard work by girls, parents of students, teachers, and students to pay tribute to each person for their involvement during the school year. We call this event Feast for Feedback, because it is both a celebration and a chance for the whole village to be involved with the Girls Project. So, this year in the school yard of Kolimba on a Saturday like no other, parents of students, teachers, and girls shared a day of joy dedicated to the schooling of girls.
Volunteers Send Encouragement to Our Students
Last Saturday I had an incredible time at Salt Lake’s annual Africa Festival. I was there staffing a booth about Mali Rising, and helping people share their notes of encouragement with our students. Despite the heat, dozens of people stopped by the booth to share their thoughts of hope and the value of education. Check out some of the amazing messages in the slideshow.
Inspire Yourself at the 50 Women Mixer!
Our work with our girls in Mali is personally my very favorite part of my job. And part of what I so love about this work is how it lets me connect with great women here in the United States too – women like you who light up whenever we talk about giving girls a chance to change the world. So, I’m really excited about a fun gathering coming up on Friday, August 23 (5:30 to 7:30 pm) here in Salt Lake City – our first ever 50 Women Mixer.
Young People Of The U.S. -- Lead On!
By Merritt Frey, Executive Director
Are you a high school student looking for something unique and special for your college applications? We can help!
Any high school student in the United States is eligible to apply. During the year-long program, Ambassadors learn about Mali and Mali Rising’s work, meet other young leaders from around the country, talk directly with Mali Rising’s field staff to learn first-hand what international development really means, develop their leadership and communication skills, and so much more.
Importantly, Youth Ambassadors also give back through their year of ambassador-hood. All Youth Ambassadors commit to tackling at least one activity from each of three categories during the Ambassador year:
Education/outreach. Examples may include: doing a presentation to a school class or youth organization, getting their school involved in the Make the Case for Caring Essay Contest, becoming a Mali Rising social media STAR, etc.
Fundraising. Examples may include: conducting a personal fundraising drive, participating in our virtual walk-a-thon (Miles for Mali), helping with a school-based fundraiser, etc.
Service. Examples may include: creating English language flashcards for Mali students, coordinating a drive for “welcome back to school” letters for Mali students, making a component of menstrual kits, etc. Mali Rising will provide a set of ready-made options for service projects, but Ambassadors may also propose their own projects to the Advisory Council.
Learn more or apply with our quick and easy online form. Twenty Ambassador slots are available until filled. Apply by August 31 (late applications may be considered, if space allows).
A Great Party For A Great Cause
Do you love a good party? How about a good cause? Well then you’ll love Mali Rising’s Soiree — a good party for a good cause!
The 2019 Success Soiree will be held on September 26, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at beautiful Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City.
Join Us At The African Festival: Looking For Volunteers
Feeling Powerless? Take Back the Power With The Kids of N'Goko!
Do you sometimes feel powerless when you read the news? Like there’s just no way you can make an impact? I relate. But there are things you can do, and one of them is literally concrete — help build a school that will change lives for kids in Mali. Those changed lives will change our world.
Seriously.
Welcome to New Board Member, Anh
Please help us welcome Anh Hoang to Mali Rising’s board of directors! Anh actually joined us at the beginning of 2019, but we’ve been remiss in sharing the news. Anh brings wonderful financial expertise to the board, and has already proved herself invaluable to watch-dogging our financial systems and future plans.
Drumroll Please! Girls Project Expands Into 5 New Villages
We are so, so excited here at Mali Rising! Why? We are preparing to launch the very successful Girls Project in five additional schools this fall!
