Meet Issa Diarra, a 24-year-old from Tanima and a proud graduate of Mali Rising’s Little Heroes Academy II. Issa is a young electrician, filled with passion and determination for his craft, and his journey embodies the power of resilience and the impact of opportunity.
Principals Inspiring Principals
The role of a principal is essential for a school's success, especially in Mali. Our principals are not only the leaders within the school walls, but they also bridge communication with local communities and address school-related issues. They work hand-in-hand with school management committees, making their roles pivotal in shaping our schools' futures. We recently had the pleasure of talking with Abdoulaye Sagara, the principal of Little Heroes Academy II, at our latest principal peer meeting.
Mohamed Makes the Most of His Scholarship
At Mali Rising, we believe in the power of education to open doors and change lives. One example of this belief in action is the story of Mohamed Samake, a young man from Mali Rising’s Trujillo Family School who received an Inspiration Scholarship to continue his education after graduating. With his scholarship, Mohamed decided to pursue a degree in electromechanics at the ESTB Vocational School in Bougouni. For Mohamed, this scholarship has been a lifeline.
Helping Mothers Help Daughters
At Mali Rising, we are continually inspired by the stories of women in our communities who have found new opportunities to help their daughters through the Mothers' Loan Fund. One such woman is Fatoumata Doumbia, a mother from the village of Nieguenkoro, who has seen her life transformed thanks to this initiative.
Back to School Threatened by Floods in Mali
As the rainy season sweeps across Mali, the Ministry of National Education has announced that the school year will begin on October 1. However, with continuous torrential rains and the destruction of schools in some areas, there is growing concern about whether classes will actually resume on this date.
A Hope Grant Recipients Celebrates
The Mali Rising Foundation has introduced a new initiative, the Hope Grant, aimed at empowering its former students to create their own businesses and avoid unemployment. This scholarship will help many individuals turn their dreams into reality through small micro-grants for alumni with a great business idea. This year, we are piloting the Hope Grants with 10 deserving alumni. One particularly joyful recipient is Tenin Doumbia, a young woman from Diorila. Tenin attended Mali Rising’s Sue Taylor Middle School in Diorila.
Math Teacher Struggles: The Same Around the World
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.
Ben Dixon Elementary Adopted for 24/25!
We have great news for some of Mali Rising’s smallest students at Ben Dixon Elementary — their school has been adopted for the 24/25 school year! Thanks to the Dixon family, the students there will have the support they need to make this one of the best school years ever
Want to Make a BIG Difference?
Mali's school year begins in October, and you can help start the year off right for students. There's a new way for you to connect with students and be a force for good in the world -- Adopt A School.
Teacher Trainings Pay Off
We invest in teachers because teachers invest in students. Our year-long Intensive Teacher Support Campaign has a proven track record of strengthening teachers’ classroom skills, but we do not rest on the historical record….we grade ourselves just like we do our students. It’s only fair! :) This year participating teachers did a great job. Overall, teachers’ in-classroom skills improved by an average of 29% That means the average grade for a participating teacher went from an “F” to a “B”!
