Like you, I am adjusting to our new reality here at Mali Rising’s U.S. office (read: my house). Because we want to contribute in our own small way, we are working on a web page with fun learning resources for both adults and children wanting to use our time at home to learn and grow. It will take a few days to get that resource list up and running, so we thought we would share some initial stay-at-home resources here to keep you going
Weaving a Life in Mali
In Mali there are a wide variety of craft activities that many people live on in Mali and makes the country proud. These jobs seem to be disappearing in Mali because of modernization. I would like to talk to you about a traditional activity that still exists in Mali, especially in certain remote places in the country. The craft I am thinking of is weaving. Some Malians think it is very useful and many make a good living thanks to this profession.
Travelogue: Day 7 -- A Trip to the Market, and to Two schools
Day 7 of traveling was a very full Friday indeed. In the morning, we visited the Sue Taylor Middle School of Diorila, which is about one and a half hours down a bumpy dirt road. We returned to Ouelessebougou for lunch and a trip to the big Friday market, before zipping down the road to visit our Sue Chung Chiu Middle School in Simidiji.
Travelogue: Day 6 -- Visiting the Ks, Kafara & Kolimba
On this Thursday morning we woke in the big city of Bamako, but immediately headed south to the “big” town of Ouelessebougou. Ouelessebougou is home to our own kind of “home-away-from-home” hotel for me, the staff, and Tim, but it was a new experience for Courtney. As hotels go, it is pretty basic — no hot water, no sheets, no towels, etc. BUT it does have a wonderful mango tree in a little courtyard that serves us quite well as an office and living room. Before making ourselves at home at the hotel though, we had to get some work done. First, we visited the village of Kafara and then we headed on the long drive to Kolimba.
Join Us on February 12 to Explore Mali...From the Comfort of Your Own Home
Join us via video link for an informal and fun travelogue from our January expedition to Mali. The U.S. staff spent spend 2 weeks visiting 14 of our schools, exploring future partner villages, and more. In this video event we will share highlights and stories from the trip, and answer your questions about our work and Mali. This is a great way to explore the culture of Mali and understand Mali Rising’s work without leaving the comfort of your home!
Travel To Mali With Us...
Okay, I wish we could take you all with us but that isn’t practical. So the next best thing? Travel along with us virtually! As this blog post is published, I am winging my way to Mali to meet up with our great Mali staff for 2 weeks of school visits, celebrations, and learning…come along with us without leaving home!
How Mali Celebrates!
By Sam Eliason, Mali Rising Intern
Cultures around the world celebrate holidays with traditions and ceremonies both familiar and diverse. As we enter the holiday season here in the United States, I wanted to find out the ways Malians celebrate their special days.
Along with many common holidays we celebrate in the states, Mali celebrates Islamic holidays such as the End of Ramadan, the Feast of the Sacrifice, and the Birth of Muhammed the Prophet .Approximately 85 to 95 percent of Malians are Muslim, so these holidays are celebrated with traditions across the country. At the conclusion of Ramadan, Malian families celebrate Abraham’s sacrifice by sacrificing a sheep and holding a small feast. Gifts, usually in the form of meats and prepared foods, are exchanged as a show of unity and people wear their best dress.
In January, Armed Forces Day is celebrated to honor those serving in armed forces. On September 22, Mali celebrates its Independence Day which is an occasion for celebrating independence from France in 1960. Parades and political speeches are held, much like our Independence Day celebrations.
Along with National Holidays, there are festivals held around Mali that draw the attention of visitors and leaders. One such festival is that of the Niger River. “This Segou February festival is filled with music, dance, puppet shows, workshops, craft vendors, and pirogue boat races along the Niger River. No fewer than 15 of the Segou's unique puppetry and dance styles are represented, which also attracts many of Mali’s famous musicians. Wood carvings, paintings, sculptures, and photographs from the country’s most talented artists are displayed in galleries around the region. Actors, musicians, and puppeteers accompany centuries-old legends that Segovian storytellers share beneath the balanzan trees” (iExplore).
Seeing the similarities and differences of cultures around the world is a show of individualism, tradition, and uniqueness that is quite fascinating. We wish you the happiest of holidays from Mali Rising as you enjoy your traditions, whatever they are, this holiday season!
Works Cited
“Mali Holidays and Festivals.” Adventure Tourism - Experiential Travel Guides, IExplore, www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/mali/festivals-and-events.
“Mali.” Countries and Their Cultures, Countries and Their Cultures, www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Mali.html.
Homes & Schools for Nomadic Families
Mali is a country of old civilizations and old cultures like many other countries! It is a country that is larger than many African countries with many different communities that speak more than 40 native languages. In northern Mali, nomadic herding is a typical way of life that gives rise to both mobile homes and mobile schools.
Our Gratitude to Cultures Capsules
We just love it when our work helps us connect with other people doing great things in the world. This was certainly the case when we met the good people behind Cultures Capsules.
One who eats alone....
“One who eats alone cannot discuss the taste of the food with others” — African proverb. Let us save you from that fate for at least one night in September! Join us for Mali Rising’s annual Soiree on September 26th at Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City, and you’ll enjoy an amazing West African-inspired dinner. See what’s on the menu…
