This year I can't wait to resume our twice monthly meetings with the girls in our Girls Project villages! These meetings will be a little different because of COVID-19, but in some ways I think they may be even better. For more health protection, we will hold these meetings under the trees in the school yards, rather than in the classrooms…
Get to Know Denik Middle School's French Teacher (aka, the Rooster!)
Denik Middle School of Zambougou has not only been a tremendous help to the people of Zambougou, but also a great relief for Mr. Diarra. Abdoul Salam Diarra has been teaching French in Zambougou for 5 years. Mr. Diarra is married and is the father of a two-year-old boy. He lives in Ouelessebougou, which is about 10 km from the school. Mr. Diarra loves all his family and enjoys working with all his everyone in Denik Middle School of Zambougou….
Even Flood Waters Can't Stop Our Girls Project
Because of the school closings with COVID-19, this year’s reopening of schools coincides with the rainy season. Usually, schools in Mali are closed from June through September so that most children do not have to navigate floodwaters and mud to get to school. As with everything else, 2020 has been quite different with students called back to school in the midst of the rains.
Last Call! Youth Ambassador Applications Due September 30
It’s not too late…but it almost is! Don’t delay high school students — apply to be a Mali Rising Youth Ambassador by September 30.
A Call for U.S. Students' Help: Two Ways To Be Involved
Announcing the First Ever Speech Up! Video Contest
At Mali Rising, we think young people have the ideas and energy needed to change the world. But all too often, these voices are discounted and ignored. That’s why the Speech Up! contest exists — to give young people a forum to share their ideas for real change that will matter to other young people globally.
Checking in On Our Next School Partner Village
Mali Rising has two school construction projects currently — on in N’Goko and one in Banko. These schools have been on hold during the pandemic , but construction is now gearing up in Banko, with proper safety protocols in place. Here, Alou tells us a little bit about Banko and what a school will mean for the village.
Partnerships With Principals Are Crucial!
Abdoulaye Coulibaly is the principal of Mindful Bunch Middle School of Kafara. He is 33 years old and father of 3 children. Mr. Coulibaly says many people in Karafa cannot even find words to express their feelings when it comes to talking about the importance of Mindful Bunch Middle School. Mr. Coulibaly estimates that 99% of the people in Kafara think their middle school allowed them to be closer to their kids and be able to watch over the kids and their education. Their kids have been studying in their own village and do not have to walk miles any more to get to school.
Less Than A Month 'Til the Youth Ambassador Deadline
Be Part of Keeping Kids Healthy & Learning
A few weeks back, we launched our Back-to-School Safe Campaign for our kids in Mali. With your help, we will raise $3,000 to provide the tools and training our kids and teachers need to stay safe in Mali, where online learning just is not an option. We are 20% of the way to our goal but there’s still a long way to go! We are grateful to everyone who has donated so far, and hope more of you will be able to get involved. We know times are tough for many of us, but for those who can give you can really make a difference for some great kids with as little as $25.
