Before Mali Kalanso

Prior to Mali Kalanso, only a handful of children – mostly boys – attended elementary school at distant schools, living with extended family or making the long trek by bicycle or on foot each day.

In the history of the community, only a few boys -- and no girls -- had ever made it to high school. Even fewer graduated and none made it to university.

Today

We are extremely proud that:

  • All children attend school, girls and boys, beginning in pre-K

  • An entire generation is gaining literacy for the first time, in a country with an adult literacy rate of 31%

  • Meals are provided to 400+ students each school day, many of whom get only 1 meal a day at home

  • University education is now a reality for the first time

  • Girls are no longer promised for marriage before completing their education

  • Teachers support the school by not striking

How We Got Here

A Holistic Approach

Buildings alone do not provide an education.  Teachers are in short supply in Mali, as are books and desks.  We work in partnership with the Malian government to provide teachers for each class. Mali Kalanso fully equips each classroom and provides books for each student, plus other programming that includes:

  • Teacher training and providing housing for teachers

  • Tutoring as necessary, starting in 3rd grade

  • Dyslexia screening

  • Annual vision and hearing exams; Vitamin A drops and intestinal parasite treatment; basic health and sex education

  • Special underwear for menstruating girls so they can confidently attend class and not fall behind

  • Clean water sources so children have access to potable drinking water

  • Solar classroom lighting for a place to do homework

Our Process

From the beginning, we envisioned creating a model school where the approach is one of collaboration among the community, the Malian government and existing NGOs (non-governmental organizations), with Mali Kalanso as the hub. 

We have endeavored to truly listen to the community and work in concert with them, our NGO partners and the Malian government to create what works best for the community. 

It has not been a linear process. In response to internal political strife and terrorism in the country, and global events like wars in other countries which have dramatically impacted the price of food, fuel and other staples, we often have had to adapt, shift resources and re-prioritize, all while forging ahead.

Thanks to the trust we’ve earned with our funders, we have been able to direct funds where they are needed most at a given moment.  This flexibility has enabled us to pivot at critical times and in turn afforded us the ability to better achieve long term goals.