In preparation for the 31st edition of the Solidarity Month and the Fight Against Exclusion, Malian Minister of Health and Social Development, Assa Badiallo TOURÉ, paid a courtesy visit to Noumoudion TOGOLA, the national patron of this year's event. The meeting took place on September 19, 2026. This year's theme is "Solidarity, a lever for promoting culture and civic education." The minister's visit aimed to brief the patron on the event's preparations and discuss its significance.
Noumoudion TOGOLA, 72, was chosen as the national patron due to his remarkable achievement of becoming the oldest candidate to pass the June 2026 Baccalauréat exam in the Social Sciences series. This accomplishment makes him a symbol of perseverance and demonstrates that education can be pursued at any stage of life. The year 2026 has been dedicated to Education and Culture by the Malian government, as per the directives of General Assimi GOÏTA, the President of the Transition.
During the meeting, the minister and TOGOLA discussed values such as transmission, citizenship, intergenerational solidarity, and attachment to Malian cultural identity. They also emphasized the link between solidarity, peace, security, and social cohesion. The minister expressed gratitude to President GOÏTA for his attention to social issues and the protection of vulnerable populations. TOGOLA accepted his role as national patron and offered his support for the event.
The discussion highlighted the significance of solidarity in promoting social cohesion, particularly in a context where some populations face vulnerability. The minister praised efforts to ensure the country's security and stability. He also acknowledged the President's commitment to addressing social issues and protecting vulnerable groups. The meeting concluded with blessings and prayers for the success of the Solidarity Month.
The choice of TOGOLA as national patron is seen as a strategic move to promote the values of solidarity and civic education. The event's theme aims to emphasize the importance of transmission, citizenship, and cultural identity. By choosing an individual who has demonstrated remarkable perseverance, the authorities hope to inspire others to pursue education and civic engagement.
The Solidarity Month is an annual event that aims to promote social cohesion and support vulnerable populations. This year's edition, under the patronage of TOGOLA, seeks to mobilize Malians around the values of solidarity and civic education. The event's preparations are underway, with the minister and other stakeholders working to ensure its success.
The courtesy visit and the discussions that followed demonstrate the government's commitment to promoting social cohesion and supporting vulnerable populations. The event is expected to contribute to the country's stability and security by fostering a sense of solidarity and civic responsibility among Malians. The minister's visit to TOGOLA marked a significant milestone in the preparations for the 31st Solidarity Month.
Key points
- The 31st Solidarity Month in Mali is themed "Solidarity, a lever for promoting culture and civic education."
- Noumoudion TOGOLA, 72, is the national patron of this year's event, chosen for his remarkable achievement in passing the Baccalauréat exam.
- The event aims to promote social cohesion, solidarity, and civic education, and to support vulnerable populations in Mali.
