By Merritt Frey, Executive Director

What if you had to learn algebra in a language you didn’t understand? How much do you think you’d actually learn? If it were me….not much! In Mali, classes are taught in French but most kids speak a different language at home and many don’t have strong French skills even as they reach middle school. That’s where our French Language Improvement Project (FLIP) comes in!

For years, our teachers told us there biggest challenge was that students arrived in their classrooms without the French skills they need to learn. Sometimes students cannot even follow basic instructions, such as “open your book to page 12!” With the help of our teachers, we launched an extracurricular effort — FLIP — to provide a sort of French “boot camp” for incoming 7th grade students. FLIP can’t make up for all of the deficits of French instruction in primary school, but it can help students at least navigate the basics in the classroom.

After a small, successful pilot of FLIP in the 22/23 school year, this year we ran FLIP in 6 of our schools. Our evaluations show great results! On average, students’ French skills improved by 20% (compared to 0% change in control groups). Depending on the school, scores improved 14 to 26%!

FLIP focuses most heavily on giving students the vocabulary they need in the classroom and improving reading comprehension so that students can study textbooks more easily. In these areas, students improved by 24% (compared to -2% for the control) and 18% (compared to 7% for the control).

FLIP is administered by our French teachers, who receive a modest stipend for spending extra time giving 8 classes over several months. The teachers use a Mali Rising developed curriculum, which focuses on active learning techniques, fun readings, and basic tools like flashcards.

We are so proud of all the participating students and hope their improved skills help them do more with their time in the classroom!