For Bourama, even something as simple as getting to school was a challenge. His high school is three kilometers away from his home, and his mother worked tirelessly to grow and sell peanuts to buy him a bicycle. However, after selling her crops, she couldn’t raise enough money for the bicycle and was left feeling anxious about how Bourama would continue his education. A scholarship from the Mali Rising Foundation allowed him to pay his school fees and continue his education.
Meet Kadidiatou Samaké: A Brave Girl With the Audacity to Stand Against Early Marriage
Building Hope: A New School Takes Shape in Heremakono, Mali
Building Hope: A New School Takes Shape in Heremakono, Mali
As many of us in the United States gear up for the holiday season, there's a different kind of hustle and bustle happening in the village of Heremakono, Mali. Crews are working around the clock to build a new school that promises to change the lives of children in this rural community. And the progress? It's truly inspiring.
Construction began on November 4th, and just six weeks later, the building is already more than 70% complete! Iron bars are now in place on the roof, and by December 20th, the team was planning to install the sheets of iron. The doors and windows have arrived, and the classroom doors are already in position. Meanwhile, work on the toilets has begun, and half of the interior and exterior wall plastering has been completed including the Principal’s office.
Drissa Doumbia: A Determined Student's Journey
Drissa Doumbia had to wake up at 5am every day and walk to school. Often, he went without eating in order to make it to class on time. Drissa was struggling financially which made it very difficult to attend school. But with the help of Mali Rising’s Inspiration Scholarship, Drissa was able to buy a school uniform, a backpack, and notebooks. Now, he can eat at school, live in better conditions, and focus on doing well academically. Drissa is currently in his final year at El Niama High School in Niamakoro.
Drissa strongly believes in Nelson Mandela’s words:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Goodbye from the Director
After 10 years at Mali Rising Foundation, I am moving on to new challenges. This has been an incredible decade of service….a truly indescribable time. I feel lucky to have worked with the people of Mali, and with our donors from the U.S. and beyond. While I’m sad to go, I am certain that whoever replaces me will take Mali Rising to the next level.
Awa Goes to High School...And Beyond
Awa Sylla is a a bright, motivated, and courageous young woman from the rural village of Dovong in Mali. Awa recently graduated from the Entrepreneurs Organization Academy in her hometown and is now completing her senior year in the TSCO track at Kadiolo Public High School. Passionate about education, Awa’s story is one of resilience and hope, and I am excited to share it with you.
New Hope for Students in Heremakono
Supporting Girls' Education: Nantenin's Journey
At Mali Rising Foundation, we know that removing barriers to education changes lives. In Sankama, one of our partner villages, the impact of our Girls’ Project is clear. By covering school fees for girls, we’ve enabled parents to send their daughters to school — a life-changing opportunity for families who would otherwise struggle to afford education. Nantenin’s story makes that crystal clear.
Fousseny is Ready for French Class
At Mali Rising Foundation, we’re thrilled to kick off another year of transformative French language classes! This month, our dedicated team is conducting pre-assessments across ten villages to prepare for the 2024-25 school year classes. Over the past two years, thanks to the generous support of our donors, the French Language Improvement Project has helped more than 200 7th graders — and this year we will expand to serve 400 students!
Hope Grant Recipient Launches Cattle Business
Meet Fousseyni Diakité, a 22-year-old from Sebela. Fousseyni graduated from Tim Gibson Middle School in Sebela and now attends the IPR Agricultural School in Katibougou, Koulikoro region, where he is studying animal production. Thanks to a new Hope Grant from Mali Rising Foundation’s donors, he is already starting his livestock business.