The word "bogolan" in the Bambara language means "made with the earth.” Bogolan is both a traditional fabric and a dyeing technique from Mali. It is a cotton canvas, handmade, with patterns in shades of yellow and black, with touches of red, brown and white. Learn more about this beautiful fabric…
A School for N'Goko
Inspiration for Your Speech Up! Video Entry
I wanted to share a quick reminder that our Speech Up! Video Contest for U.S. high school students is still open for submissions and provide a little inspiration from Malala Yousafzai, author of I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World.
Volunteer Evenings: Get Briefed on Two Ways to Make a Difference
Last night we had a fun Volunteer Orientation with a great group of Mali Rising supporters. It was a whirlwind tour of nine of our current volunteer opportunities, with information about how to learn more. If you missed the session but are interested in learning more about the options and/or future volunteer options, please fill out this quick Volunteer Interest Form or sign up for one of our online February Volunteer Evenings.
Good Principals Make Good Schools
Mr. Konaté is one of our principals who impresses us with their great school results and strong relationships with their partners like school committee, local educational department, and non-governmental organizations. At a recent Principal Peer Meeting, we had a chance to talk with him about his school and how he runs it so well.
Our Powerful Girls Apply Their Power to Reading!
Reading is the heart of knowledge, yet many children in Mali cannot read. In fact, many students fail school all together because, when you do not know how to read the lesson, you cannot learn the lesson nor understand its meaning. This is a problem we must address! As Mali’s new school year begins this month, I am helping our Girls’ Project girls improve their reading ability through our study sessions.
Reminder: Speech Up! Video Contest Deadline Extended
Konimba: Working Hard Even During A Pandemic
During this uncertain pandemic time, Mali Rising is working in five of our partner villages to test take home workbook as a tool for keeping students learning when schools are closed due to the pandemic. One of the villages where we have done this work is Sebela. We recently visited with the high scoring workbook student of Sebela, Konimba, and her father.
Recommitting to Service on this MLK Day? Learn About Volunteering at Mali Rising
Today is MLK Day in the United States — one of our most inspirational holidays. This is a day to step up in service to others in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.. I’d like to encourage you to consider carrying this spirit forward beyond today by volunteering for Mali Rising — and we have a great way for you to learn how.
Volunteers Needed: You Can't Improve What You Don't Measure!
By Merritt Frey, Executive Director
How do you measure a great education? You tell us! In 2021, Mali Rising is overhauling our approach to measuring the quality of education in our remote, rural Mali schools. We are searching for 2 to 3 people with skills in education, monitoring, and evaluation to help us really understand how to change lives through education.
Advisors will engage with our board committee (Internal Affairs Committee) on this issue and devote 4 to 6 hours a month to research and discussion. We ask Advisors to commit to 10 months of engagement (March-December) if possible. In exchange, Advisors will get to know a wonderful group of volunteers, explore how education works in a different culture, and have access to special content from Mali and our schools.
Interested in learning more and perhaps getting involved? Contact Merritt.
