Many of our schools are now old enough that they have graduated hundreds, or even thousands, of students. So, recently we began organizing school Alumni Networks with a goal of helping the graduates help their schools grow and thrive. We have found that the alumni are more than eager to help! This month, we helped one Alumni Network address a big problem — malaria.
7 Ways to Volunteer for Mali Rising Today
Generous folks like you are often curious about how to help our students out, so today I want to provide a round up of 7 current opprotunities. These volunteer openings are ready for you right now, and all can be done from anywhere around the US (and some from anywhere in the world). Read on to see if one of these is the right way for you to get involved….
Creativity + Business Acumen = Bright Future
Creating and wearing beautiful clothes is a passion that crosses the boundaries of every country. No matter where you go, you’ll find people who turn clothing into an art form with their sewing skill. Mali Rising Foundation alum Djeneba Samake is one such young woman with a passion for sewing that, with te help of Mali Rising’s donors, she is now turning into a career.
Send a Note of Encouragement!
A Future Nurse, Thanks to Our Supporters
It is sad to see here in Mali, but all to often early (or even child) marriage prevents many girls from continuing their education. However, times are changing in Mali. Some families wait longer for marriage, and even when marriage does occur it doesn’t always have to mean that a young women’s education is over. An example of this change comes from Salimata Sissao, a Mali Rising alumni. Here is her story in her own words…
Sewing for a Better Future
Clothing has always had an important place in our society and in our African communities. Through textiles, we tell a story and we highlight the culture of a country. For the young women we work with in Mali, creating clothing can also be a path to an independent future! How is that possible you ask ? For young women (and men too !) become a tailor is a respectable job in Mali and it allows you to be your own boss. This makes it an attractive dream for many of our students. Bana is one such student.
Interested in Volunteering?
Career Day is a Big Hit
Our students study hard because they want to build a better life for themselves and for their families. But all too often, we find that students have no idea what career options an education makes available to them or how they can pursue those careers. That’s where our new Career Adventures Project comes in. This project provides year-long career advice for students in our schools, including a Career Day to allow students to really explore careers in-depth.
Mali Rising Graduate Heads to University
Just like young people here in the U.S., Mali Rising students have big dreams for their future. I recently met a Mali Rising alumni – Moussa Doumbia -- with a very specific dream and he is well on his way to making it real. He is reaching for the stars, with a vision of becoming a diplomat in Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Do Good Over Holiday Break!
Want to give back over this holiday season? We have the easiest-entry project ever for you - write notes of encouragement to our students in Mali! We provide instructions and you write short notes (and add photos, stickers, etc. if you like), scan the notes and send them to us. Learn more and sign up here.