About Mali
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Despite its status as one of the most secure democracies in Africa, Mali is one of the poorest countries on Earth, not least because nearly two thirds of the country is desert. Mali was formed in 1960 following the former colonies of the Sudanese Republic and Senegal achieving their independence from France.
The Mali Federation, as was, spilt when Senegal withdrew from the federation and Mali became an independent state ruled by dictatorship until 1991, when free and fair elections were established.
The population of the country has a staggering 48.3% aged 14 or younger, with over 8.6% of all children in Mali being born either dead or dying shortly after birth. 4000 children in Mali are forced to live on the streets, begging to survive, and easy targets for exploitation, including child trafficking.
Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid to survive, however is working closely with organisations such as the International Monetary Fund to restructure its economy which has been mainly based on the export of gold and cotton and with children often working unpaid in dangerous agricultural conditions, denied an education.
Given the high proportion of young children in Mali demography, it is hardly surprising that children in Mali start working at an early age, if not labouring, then looking after their younger siblings. As such, encouraging children, particularly girls, to attend and stay in education is often very difficult.
As with many African projects, sponsorship work with children in Mali is heavily focussed on education, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to build a better future for themselves and their communities. There are many charities you can contact to help children in Mali, click here to review them.
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