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.
Game-Changing Book Donation!
Thank You!
Textbooks Are Incredibly Useful To Teachers!
Without teachers and textbooks, is a school really a school? It certainly isn’t an easy place to learn without those two things. Recently, I had a chance to talk with one of our teachers – Mr. Chio Coulibaly of Nieta Kalanso Middle School in Kolimba – about what a difference textbooks have made for him and his students.
Want to Help Mali's Students?
Every wondered how you could help Mali Rising’s students? How about hosting a house party this summer? A house party is a quick and informal way to build support for Mali Rising’s students. House parties are totally flexible – they don’t even need to be in your house or a party! You could host a picnic at the park or cocktail hour at a local pub…but most people find it fun to have a gathering in their home or yard.
Textbooks: Tools We Take for Granted
As one of my former professors —Pr Ibrahim Sagayar — said: “A teacher or a student without a textbook is like a soldier on the battlefield without a weapon”. Yet all too often in Mali, teachers and students are not armed with textbooks. I recently discussed this problem with two of our partner principals — the principal of Sue Chung Chiu Middle School of Simidji, Mr. Essai Mikoro and the principal of Little Heroes Academy I Middle School of Mana, Mlle. Djenebou Niama Coulibaly.
You Did It! You Raised $27,000 for Mali's Kids
Need a Last Minute Gift? Push Our Book Drive Over the Top!
Despite your best laid plans, you might be just about starting to panic. I know I am! Do you need just one or two more gifts to finish off your shopping, but fear heading to the stores now just might kill you? I hear you. And I have a solution. How about gifting one or more textbooks for our students in Mali? A textbook costs just $10, and you can donate them in any number. $30 gift? Three books. $50 gift? Five books. You get the idea.
Half Way There: Let's Get 300 Textbooks to Mali's Students!
Wow! Thank you to everyone who has donated to our Back to School Textbook Drive so far. Because of you, we are nearly half way to our goal of providing 300 textbooks to students in Mali. If you haven’t got involved yet, please join us in the cheapest feel-good activity you can find — just a $10 donation provides a much-needed textbook.
