Great Partnerships Make Great Schools
By Adama Kone, Teacher Project Manager
Mr Touré (on the left) shakes hands with Adama Kone, our Teacher Project Manager.
In Mali, one of our key partners is the Ministry of Education and particularly their local units, known as the Centers of Pedagogical Animation (CAPs). As we geared up for the official opening of schools on October 3, we worked closely and in great relationship with the relevant CAPs for our schools.
This year, I was charged with meeting with the local CAPs to share the work of all of our staff. Our discussions focused on not only strengthen our partnership with the CAPs but also on solutions to some of the challenges our schools face. These governmental representatives enjoy our partnerships so much knowing they have the same goals as Mali Rising Foundation, which is helping Malian kids have access to quality education.
For example, I recently met with one of the local CAPs (covering a district call Baguineda) where Mali Rising Foundation has built six middle schools and one elementary school. Meeting with these representatives allowed me to discuss with them our coming activities for the new school year. The partners were pleased to talk with us and we were equally pleased because the CAP’s support is very important to our schools’ success. For example, one of the main roles for the CAPs is to hire teachers for our schools, which makes a building an actual school.
One of the people I met with was Mamadou Touré (you can see him in the photo with me, wearing a blue hat). Mr. Touré is one of the consultants for the CAP. He told me he felt honored after meeting with me and knowing Mali Rising Foundation’s plans for the new school year. Mamadou Touré, the consultant and the director of the department were both thrilled that Mali Rising has always been a great partner to them helping Malian kids grow in knowledge thanks to our generous donors.
We partner with the CAP to be in harmony with teachers, principals, school management committees, and parents. Through our partnership, we can be sure our work is more informed by the local needs and respectful of the larger educational system. We thank our partners for making our work possible…and better!