Right To Play in Mali

For more than 20 years, Right To Play has worked with government and local partners in Mali to deliver high-quality education, child protection and social cohesion programs.

We began working in Mali in 2002 to deliver humanitarian support to crisis-affected children. Today, we offer programs in several contexts including refugee and host communities, as well as urban communities. Our programs ensure children have access to quality play-based primary education and psychosocial support.

In 2023, we reached more than 90,000 children, including more than 6,000 children experiencing displacement and more than 47,000 girls.

Right To Play Mali's 2024-26 program priorities

• Ensuring more children can access quality play-based education that helps them develop academic and holistic skills and a lifelong love of learning;
• Training teachers and parents to support children's emotional well-being;
• Building strong partnerships with donors, government, universities and colleges of education, and local organizations to reach more children and young people;
• Generating evidence on the impact of play on children’s learning and development.

Challenges and Opportunities in Mali

Almost half of Mali’s population is under 14 years of age.

Many of them face challenges in accessing primary education. Insecurity caused by ongoing conflict has led to the closure of over 1,700 schools and has disrupted the education of thousands of children, especially in the northern regions. The lack of qualified teachers and adequate school infrastructure further hampers the quality of education.

Training teachers, providing school materials, supporting community-based education for children in conflict-affected areas and providing psychosocial support to children can greatly enhance children’s learning and development. Programs that focus on providing safe spaces for children to express their feelings and receive emotional support can help children in Mali develop the resilience and emotional strength they need to learn and thrive.

Key Statistics:

• More than two million children aged five to 17 are out of school, primarily due to insecurity, poverty, child labor, and lack of quality schools;
• More than 50% of youth aged 15 to 24 are not literate;
• Conflict has caused the closure of over 1,700 schools, affecting the education of thousands of children;
• Nearly one-third of Mali's population lives in areas affected by conflict, exposing children to traumatic experiences

Key Activities and Impact

Through the EMPOWER program, internally displaced children living in the Mopti , Bandiagara and Gao regions are developing their literacy and life skills through play. Funded by Global Affairs Canada and delivered in collaboration with community-based organizations, the program helps children—especially girls and children with disabilities—overcome barriers to education.

Through the program, we are training teachers and community leaders to use play to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments and lessons that help children catch up to their peers and achieve educational benchmarks.

In the Kénièba region, women and children who live in artisanal mining communities are getting the chance to develop essential skills through the Femmes et Enfants des communautés Minières Artisanales (FEMA) program. Through the program, we’re training community leaders and educators to advocate for improved economic opportunities and safer work conditions for women and adolescents. We're also engaging community leaders to take action to stop children's involvement in artisanal mining.

“What I like most is that we play and learn at the same time. Through this play, we can read syllables, letters and sentences too.” - Anta, grade four.

Key Supporters and Partners

We collaborate with the Government of Mali through the Ministry of National Education; the Ministry for the Advancement of Women, Children and Families; National Directorates of Education; the Academies of Education; Local Service of Social Development and Solidarity Economy; Centres for Pedagogical Activities; Réseau d'Acteurs pour le Renouveau de l'Éducation (RARE); Association pour la Lecture, l'Éducation et le Développement au Mali (ALED); and the National Children's Parliament to implement our programs.

Our work is made possible with generous support from donors, including Global Affairs Canada, the Government of Norway, B2GOLD and UNICEF.

We also work closely with key implementing partners such as the Associations of Children’s Parents and Children’s Mothers, Reference Health Centers and community-based organizations to deliver impactful programs that create lasting change.

Country Office Address

Bamako, Missabougou, Route de 3eme Pont,
at the square after the “Station Total”, max. 30m to the right
Phone: 00 223 20 21 10 24