In the small town of Nionsombougou, Mali, a ceremony was held to reward and celebrate the academic achievements of girls. The event, organized by the Centre d'Animation Pédagogique (CAP) and funded by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Sahel21-TSF, took place on October 29, 2026. The partnership between Sahel21-TSF and CAP, which began in 1999, aims to promote girls' education and improve the quality of teaching in the region.
The partnership has yielded impressive results, with the admission rate to the Diplôme d'études fondamentales (DEF) increasing from 61% to 96.44%. Sahel21-TSF has been supporting CAP for nearly three decades, providing financing for teacher training, community awareness campaigns, and support for vulnerable children. The organization has also helped construct new classrooms, improving the learning environment for students.
According to Drahamane Koné, director of CAP, the partnership has benefited both girls and boys. The initiative has also enabled the organization of a mock exam for the DEF, helping to identify areas where students need improvement and better preparing them for national exams. The CAP director praised the collaboration with Sahel21-TSF, which has contributed significantly to the development of education in the region.
Representatives from Sahel21-TSF, Ibrahima Macalou and Fainké Madiè Doumbia, attended the ceremony and commended the CAP team for their commitment to education. They encouraged the responsible authorities to continue their efforts to promote girls' education and improve the quality of teaching. The event also highlighted the importance of community involvement in supporting education initiatives.
Sahel21-TSF not only rewards academic excellence but also provides support to students from extremely vulnerable families. The organization offers scholarships, vocational training, and equipment to eligible students, taking into account factors such as financial need and family circumstances. Beneficiaries receive support in areas such as computer science, leadership, and health, as well as access to healthcare services.
The organization also focuses on promoting menstrual hygiene and preventing early marriage, which can hinder girls' education. Hawa Coulibaly, head of the girls' education section at the Kati Academy, emphasized the importance of Sahel21-TSF's engagement and highlighted the negative consequences of early marriage on girls' education. The ceremony included testimonials, prize-giving, and a sensitization sketch.
Parents and community members expressed gratitude for the initiative, which has enabled many girls to pursue their education and achieve their goals. Kadiatou Diarra, mother of Madeleine Diarra, a high school student who benefited from the program, praised Sahel21-TSF and CAP for their support and urged them to continue their efforts. The results achieved in Nionsombougou demonstrate the positive impact of sustained support for girls' education on the community's future.
Key points
- Sahel21-TSF and CAP have increased the admission rate to the Diplôme d'études fondamentales (DEF) from 61% to 96.44% through their partnership.
- The organization provides support to students from vulnerable families, including scholarships, vocational training, and equipment.
- Sahel21-TSF promotes menstrual hygiene and prevents early marriage to support girls' education.
