Mali Country in Africa
Despite its status as one of the most secure democracies in Africa, Mali is
one of the poorest nation 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 10% 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, below are listed a few of them.
www.worldvision.org.uk
www.african-child.org
www.jolibatrust.org.uk
www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk
www.savethechildren.org.uk
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