By Merritt Frey, Executive Director

The most exciting thing we do each year at Mali Rising is build a new middle school. Last month, we announced our newest partner village -- the village of Sankama. 

Sankama is home to an active primary school, with approximately 125 students. However, the nearest middle schools are 3 and 6 miles away. This means the vast majority of students drop out of school after the sixth grade.

But you can help change that sad reality! With your help, we'll partner with the parents of Sankama to build a new middle school in 2018. The village will provide the land and 20% of the cost of construction. Together, you and Mali Rising will provide the remaining 80% of the cost of construction. And, most importantly, we will remain partnered with the village from here on out -- making sure the school is maintained and real, quality learning happens in the classrooms.

We're 45% of the way to a fully funded middle school for the children of Sankama. Anything you can give helps, and if you donate $100 or more you'll be entered to win naming rights to the new school!* This is a GREAT chance to honor someone you love or to have your own name go down in history -- read this report from our last naming right winner's experience.

Learn more about Sankama and our next school or just go ahead and get involved!

*One entry for each increment of $100 donated. Reasonable limitations apply to naming choices and names are subject to approval by our Board of Directors.