By Adama Kone, Teacher Project Manager

Access to education is one of the most powerful tools for change, and textbooks are a vital part of that equation. In Mali's rural middle schools, the scarcity of textbooks presents a significant challenge for teachers and students alike. Without adequate resources, lessons are harder to teach, students are slower to understand, and time in the classroom is less effective overall.

Thanks to a generous gift from the Maxfield Family Foundation, at Frances W. Burton Middle School — and at all Mali Rising schools — this challenge is now a little easier to overcome. Recently, the schools received a donation of enough science textbooks to serve each of their for 7th and 8th-grade students, a momentous step forward for both teachers and students. After years of struggling with limited resources, this gift has sparked joy and hope within the school community.

The excitement was palpable as students eagerly flipped through the pages of their new science textbooks at France W. Burton Middle Schools. Smiles lit up their faces as they posed for group photos to mark the occasion. Among them was Sali S., an 8th grader who shared her gratitude for this much-needed resource.

"I always wanted enough science textbooks at my school so I could take one home, read, and do my homework," Sali said. "Science is hard for me, but I really like it, and I know this will help me get better at biology. Before, we used to share one textbook between three students. Sometimes, I couldn’t see the diagrams clearly, and the teacher couldn’t wait for us to catch up. It made learning so slow."

For Sali and her classmates, the new textbooks mean more than just convenience—they represent a brighter future. With individual access to these resources, students can now explore science more deeply, complete their assignments, and follow along in class with greater ease.

"This donation is a great blessing for me and many other students," Sali said with a smile. "More textbooks mean more knowledge for students. I am so grateful to the Mali Rising Foundation for this incredible gift."

By providing textbooks to schools like Frances W. Burton Middle School, the Mali Rising Foundation is not just filling shelves; it’s empowering students and teachers to succeed. Together, we can continue to invest in tools that make education more effective and accessible, transforming lives and communities across Mali. Want to help? Donate to the Book Fund today!