The 2026-2027 school year in Mali officially began on October 1 at Groupe scolaire Mamadou Diarra N°2 in Médina-Coura, Bamako. The event was attended by students, teachers, school directors, and officials from the Centre d’animation pédagogique and Académie d’enseignement de Bamako Rive gauche. Mali's Minister of National Education, Dr. Amadou Sy Savané, was present alongside his counterparts from Higher Education, Youth and Sports, and Agriculture.
This year's school year is centered around the theme of food safety in schools. As part of the launch, a model lesson on "Food Safety in Schools" was taught by teacher Abdoul Aziz Traoré in a 9th-grade class. The lesson emphasized hygiene rules, food conservation, and precautions to minimize risks associated with consuming improper products. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in ensuring students' health and well-being.
Minister of National Education, Amadou Sy Savané, stressed that schools are spaces where everyone has a role to play in promoting food safety. He warned about the risks associated with poorly transported, conserved, or cooked food, emphasizing that protecting students' health requires the involvement of the entire educational community. The minister's comments underscored the need for collective action to address food safety concerns.
Kadidja Kodio, Director of the Académie d’enseignement de Bamako Rive gauche, highlighted the relevance of the theme, citing concerns about the quality of food sold near schools. She noted that food is often left uncovered, exposed to insects, or sold near drains, posing health risks to students. Kodio emphasized that the model lesson aims to equip children with essential knowledge about hygiene and food safety.
Mme Camara Nana Kadia Koné, President of the Association des femmes promotrices d’écoles privées du Mali (AFPEP-Mali), called for a unified approach to food safety, transcending the distinction between public and private schools. She emphasized that the goal is to provide quality education for Mali's development, highlighting the significant contributions of private schools to national exam results.
The launch event demonstrated the commitment of Mali's education sector to prioritizing food safety in schools. By engaging students, teachers, and the broader community, the government aims to promote a culture of hygiene and proper food handling. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on students' health and academic performance.
As the new school year begins, stakeholders are working together to ensure that food safety remains a top priority. With the involvement of various government ministries and educational institutions, Mali is taking a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges associated with food safety in schools. The success of this initiative will depend on sustained efforts from all parties involved.
Key points
- The 2026-2027 school year in Mali focuses on food safety in schools.
- Officials stress importance of hygiene and proper food handling.
- Initiative aims to promote a culture of food safety among students and the broader community.
