By Adama Kone, Teacher Project Manager

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. Mr. Sagara, who has dedicated over a decade to Little Heroes Academy II, initially served as a French teacher before transitioning into his leadership role. His perspective sheds light on the valuable exchanges these meetings provide.

“I am Mr. Sagara, from a small village called Tanima, where Little Heroes Academy II is located. As both the principal and the French teacher, I am committed to helping our students thrive,” he shares. “This is my third time attending a principal peer meeting, and I find them incredibly valuable.”

Mr. Sagara was particularly inspired by a strategy shared by Mr. Samaké, a fellow principal from Lareen Mellor Middle School. Mr. Samaké described how he motivates his school committee members to attend meetings: by involving the village chief, who insists that community members prioritize school gatherings.

“This was a revelation for me,” Mr. Sagara admits. “I often struggle with attendance at our school committee meetings. When committee members don’t show up, it feels like a setback. We’re all working towards a common goal—to help our students succeed—and their absence can be discouraging. I’m eager to try Mr. Samaké’s approach, especially because the village chief in Tanima is highly respected.”

School committees play a vital role in fostering positive relationships between schools and villages, acting as intermediaries between principals and the broader community. Peer meetings like these create an invaluable space for principals to share effective practices and find solutions to common challenges. “Learning from my peers is one of the best aspects of these gatherings,” Mr. Sagara reflects.

We are deeply grateful to our supporters for making gatherings like this possible. The insights and encouragement principals gain from these peer meetings strengthen our schools and ultimately uplift our students’ futures. Learn more about our Teacher Project.