Mali: report 2014

March - May 2014: Every week the orphans arrive, accompanied by one or two family members, aunts, sisters, grandmothers, very occasionally, a father or uncle.  They all wait patiently for their turn.  Despite the appearance of a smile on the faces of the women, the marks of suffering are very apparent.  The situation here has become tragic.  Insecurity reigns with sporadic mortar fire, kidnappings, thefts, suicide attacks and mines.  Everyone needs to remain vigilant.
Once a month, Sophie visits Gao.  Her work is never-ending.  Aside from her projects with the orphans and the fight against malnutrition, she also visits isolated villages in the bush to help the local disadvantaged population.  She tries to help young people who are struggling with their identity, to rebuild their confidence and teach them to respect those around them.  This is as important as feeding the younger children.  It is not easy working with adolescents but the potential rewards are enormous, as shown in the recent friendly football match between ‘our’ youth and those of the neighbouring village.  We have discovered that the World Food Programme does not have enough food to supply school canteens.  Sophie is working hard to ensure that children can finish the year under better conditions.
These are things we take for granted but they are so important for the children of Mali.

June - July 2014: Once back from Gao, Sophie has meeting after meeting.  The revision of laws governing the status of individuals, the registration of births without payment and the issuing of birth certificates is an on-going battle, but at least we are on the right path.
June was notable for the unexpected death of our security guard, who was father to two young children.  We are all shocked and saddened for his family.  The Air Algérie plane crash at the end of July, 80 kilometres from Gao, also caused confusion and consternation.  Our thoughts go out to all the victims and their families and loved ones.

> back

> next