Math is often a subject that intimidates students in Mali, even though it provides many with the opportunity to secure good jobs after finishing school. As a result, many students try to avoid it, even in middle school. This presents a significant challenge for math teachers, who must find ways to inspire their students to engage with and appreciate the subject. Teachers committed to making a difference are constantly seeking creative strategies to motivate their students to embrace math. Recently I had a conversation with one of our dedicated math teachers, Amadou Doro, who shared with me both his biggest challenge and the secret to his success in the classroom.

At a recent Mali Rising Teacher Peer Meeting one teacher stood out from the crowd…and all because of a peanut plant!

We want our teachers to get to know each other, so they can help each other and work together. to help with these connections, Mali Rising Foundation recently organized a soccer tournament for the teachers of our eight schools in the Baguineda area. Thirty-two teachers came together for some fun and bonding at the tournament.

It is sad to see here in Mali, but all to often early (or even child) marriage prevents many girls from continuing their education. However, times are changing in Mali. Some families wait longer for marriage, and even when marriage does occur it doesn’t always have to mean that a young women’s education is over. An example of this change comes from Salimata Sissao, a Mali Rising alumni. Here is her story in her own words…

Each year Mali Rising honors three of our most outstanding teachers with an award. They are nominated by their principals, and a panel of teachers selects the best candidates for each award — most outstanding, most helpful, and most improved. Last month I was happy to deliver the award for Most Outstanding Teacher to a a very hard-working teacher, Mr. Chaka Diarra.

This month, we wrapped up our Intensive Teacher Trainings for the school year. These sessions allow us to provide about half of our teachers with two, tailor-made trainings over the year, along with 3 Teacher Peer Meetings. At our last meeting, I spoke with Amadou Doro, a math teacher, about the biggest new ideas he took away from his time in our Intensive Teacher Trainings. Here’s what he had to say…