Building Hope: A New School Takes Shape in Heremakono, Mali

Building Hope: A New School Takes Shape in Heremakono, Mali

As many of us in the United States gear up for the holiday season, there's a different kind of hustle and bustle happening in the village of Heremakono, Mali. Crews are working around the clock to build a new school that promises to change the lives of children in this rural community. And the progress? It's truly inspiring.

Construction began on November 4th, and just six weeks later, the building is already more than 70% complete! Iron bars are now in place on the roof, and by December 20th, the team was planning to install the sheets of iron. The doors and windows have arrived, and the classroom doors are already in position. Meanwhile, work on the toilets has begun, and half of the interior and exterior wall plastering has been completed including the Principal’s office.

Drissa Doumbia: A Determined Student's Journey

Drissa Doumbia had to wake up at 5am every day and walk to school. Often, he went without eating in order to make it to class on time. Drissa was struggling financially which made it very difficult to attend school. But with the help of Mali Rising’s Inspiration Scholarship, Drissa was able to buy a school uniform, a backpack, and notebooks. Now, he can eat at school, live in better conditions, and focus on doing well academically. Drissa is currently in his final year at El Niama High School in Niamakoro.

Drissa strongly believes in Nelson Mandela’s words:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Awa Goes to High School...And Beyond

Awa Sylla is a a bright, motivated, and courageous young woman from the rural village of Dovong in Mali. Awa recently graduated from the Entrepreneurs Organization Academy in her hometown and is now completing her senior year in the TSCO track at Kadiolo Public High School. Passionate about education, Awa’s story is one of resilience and hope, and I am excited to share it with you.

,

Supporting Girls' Education: Nantenin's Journey

,

At Mali Rising Foundation, we know that removing barriers to education changes lives. In Sankama, one of our partner villages, the impact of our Girls’ Project is clear. By covering school fees for girls, we’ve enabled parents to send their daughters to school — a life-changing opportunity for families who would otherwise struggle to afford education. Nantenin’s story makes that crystal clear.

Fousseny is Ready for French Class

At Mali Rising Foundation, we’re thrilled to kick off another year of transformative French language classes! This month, our dedicated team is conducting pre-assessments across ten villages to prepare for the 2024-25 school year classes. Over the past two years, thanks to the generous support of our donors, the French Language Improvement Project has helped more than 200 7th graders — and this year we will expand to serve 400 students!

Hope Grant Recipient Launches Cattle Business

Meet Fousseyni Diakité, a 22-year-old from Sebela. Fousseyni graduated from Tim Gibson Middle School in Sebela and now attends the IPR Agricultural School in Katibougou, Koulikoro region, where he is studying animal production. Thanks to a new Hope Grant from Mali Rising Foundation’s donors, he is already starting his livestock business.

A Gift of Knowledge: Textbooks Help Students

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.

Internet services donated by XMission.

Internet services donated by XMission.