The 2025 Cultural Biennale in Mali

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By Manvitha Kathula

A Historic Return to Timbuktu

In the final weeks of 2025, the historic “City of 333 Saints” reaffirmed its role as the soul of Malian identity. From December 18th to the 28th, Timbuktu hosted the Mali National Cultural and Artistic Biennial for the first time in its history. This landmark festival transformed the ancient desert hub into a vibrant theater of national unity, signaling a defiant return to normalcy after a decade of regional instability.

The festival’s theme, “Culture, the foundation for anchoring the Fourth Republic,” served to reinforce a national focus on cultural revival, and the event served as the centerpiece of the government’s officially designated “Year of Culture.”

Photo credit: Voice of America

A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition

The opening ceremony, led by Prime Minister Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga on behalf of the transitional president, was a powerful showcase of Malian culture and tradition. One of the most moving moments came when 333 dancers took the stage, creating a living tribute to the city’s revered Sufi saints.

The festival brought together participants from all 20 regions of Mali, who competed in five different artistic disciplines. It was not just about performances and competition. It also served as a meaningful way to pass down cultural values from one generation to the next. As Prime Minister Maïga emphasized, the event was more than an arts festival. It was a celebration of memory, identity, and resilience.

A New Generation Takes the Stage

While the biennial paid tribute to the past, its true energy came from a new generation of artists using their voices to inspire change.

Tinazoum Cissé, known as Daïcha, represented the Taoudéni region with a powerful performance of “Ai Ouladna” that had the crowd on its feet. For her, art is more than expression. It is a way to uplift both herself and her community.

Awa Demba Samaké, a medical student from Bamako, spoke about the responsibility artists carry during Mali’s political transition. She highlighted the importance of creating music with positive messages that celebrate the nation and preserve its traditions.

Culture as Economic Growth

The biennial was not only a cultural celebration but also a boost for the local economy. In a striking move, the Flame of Peace monument was transformed into a runway, turning a symbol of reconciliation into a stage for creativity and enterprise.

Designer Boubacar AG Midaye, founder of Mida Style, stood out by bringing together traditional Tuareg designs and fabrics from southern Mali. His approach went beyond fashion. By working with local models and emphasizing craftsmanship from the region, he used the event to help build a stronger identity for “Made in Timbuktu” and show its potential in the wider economy.

A Message to the World

Executing an event of this scale in the north required a massive logistical and security undertaking. However, for Cultural Minister Andogoly Guindo, the success of the festival sends a clear signal to the global community that Timbuktu is open. With the renovation of historic libraries and the inauguration of a new hall honoring the legendary Ali Farka Touré, the city is positioning itself to welcome back international tourism. As the curtains fell on December 28, the biennial proved that Malian culture is not merely a relic of history, but the cornerstone of its future.

Sources:

Timbuktu Hosts Mali’s National Cultural Biennale

https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/25/malis-cultural-and-artistic-biennial-gets-underway-in-timbuktu

Timbuktu Cultural Festival revives the glow of the “Jewel of the Desert”

When the Rains Come: Flooding, Fragility, and Resilience in the Sahel

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by Tina Kusal

Photo Credit: Fula Boy

Every year from June to September, the rainy season comes to Niger and parts of Mali, bringing both hope and danger. Rural communities depend on this rain to grow crops, refill water sources, and support daily life. However, because of climate change, the rain has become heavier and less predictable in recent years, turning what was once a lifeline into a growing threat.

Drought and flooding are more connected than they seem, linked through changes in the water cycle. Prolonged dry conditions harden the soils, making the ground less absorbent. When the rainfall arrives, the water runs off the surface triggering sudden and often intense floods. As temperatures continue to rise, more moisture is pulled into the atmosphere, creating drier lands and increasing the chances of heavier downpours.

This cyclical pattern means the rains that communities in Niger and Mali rely on are becoming more destructive. Floods now happen more often and are more severe, sweeping away homes, polluting water, and ruining farmland. In places where infrastructure is already weak, even one flood can disrupt lives for months. People lose crops, livestock die, and families must rebuild with very little.

Yet the impact of extreme weather in the Sahel goes beyond the physical damage. According to recent analysis by the Institute for Security Studies, long-standing systems that once helped communities manage land and water are under strain. These traditional frameworks relied on cooperation between farmers, herders, and other groups to coexist and navigate scarcity during difficult seasons. Local leaders, such as village chiefs, land authorities, and religious figures played a key role in mediating disputes and regulating access, to help maintain stability.

Photo Credit: Wells Bring Hope

Today, those systems are weakening as a result of the insecurity and violent extremism that dominate the area. Communities are less able to rely on local leadership or cooperation to navigate environmental stress. As one expert notes, when conflict disrupts these networks, it “undermines communities’ capacity to adapt to climate change.”

What results is a dangerous cycle. Flooding increases pressure on both land and water, weakened cooperation makes it harder to respond effectively, and communities become even more vulnerable to the next extreme event.

Still, local resilience persists. Many communities continue to adapt in small but meaningful ways, rebuilding homes on higher ground, adjusting planting cycles, and supporting one another through shared resources when possible.

This resilience is strengthened by the work of Wells Bring Hope in rural Niger and Mali. The drilling of wells provides access to clean water and helps communities better withstand climate stress. In addition, training local residents about as drip irrigation techniques and grey water reuse to support more efficient water use, enables families to continue growing crops during periods of limited rainfall.

Photo Credit: Wells Bring Hope

The solution to flooding in the Sahel involves more than just managing water. Addressing issues centers on strengthening the systems (social, environmental, and local), ensuring communities can withstand the floods. Allowing those systems to hold gives communities a better chance not just to recover, but to endure.

Sources

https://issafrica.org/iss-today/violent-extremism-erodes-local-climate-resilience-in-the-sahel

https://globalclimaterisks.org/insights/blog/africa-flood-drought-2026

https://floodriskamerica.com/blog/why-floods-follow-periods-of-drought/#:~:text=Climate%20change%20intensifies%20the%20interplay,increasing%20the%20risk%20of%20flooding.

The West African Camels: Heroes of the Desert

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The West African Camels: Heroes of the Desert

By: Dionne Roberts

Camels live in the desert regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and are common in rural areas of Niger and Mali. The global camel population sits at around 41 million, with 1.9 million in Niger and 1.3 million in Mali.

There are two main species of camel: the Bactrian camel and the dromedary camel. Although they are now common in West Africa, camels were probably domesticated in the Arabian Peninsula or Somalia 4,000–5,000 years ago. Around 90 percent of camels worldwide are dromedaries, which are also called Arabian camels. All dromedary camels today are domesticated. In contrast, Bactrian camels can be either wild or domesticated.

The Arabian camel is easy to recognize by its long, curved neck, deep narrow chest, and single hump. Its thick lips help it eat tough, thorny plants. Their feet are wide and padded, making it easier for them to walk on sand. They thrive in extreme heat (up to 120°F) by storing energy-rich fat in their humps, rarely sweating, and traveling up to 100 miles without water. This makes them extremely important animals for people who live in desert areas, where water and food can be difficult to find.

These “heroes of the desert,” as they are known, have long been valued as pack and saddle animals, and they are also used for their milk, meat, wool, and hides.

Photo credit: Lindsey Gossage

Camels to Aid in Alleviating Poverty in Niger and Mali

Niger and Mali rely heavily on camels because of their ability to withstand prolonged drought, their high tolerance to dehydration, and their specialized digestive systems, which enable them to tolerate habitats such as shrub and grasslands. Camels may be the most practical livestock to keep, as they can provide a stable source of both food and income for 17 or more years (the median life expectancy for camels is 17.8 years).

Traditionally, they have been used for drawing water from wells, transportation, and carrying loads. With new technology, they can also be used to plow through arid soil and uncover the nutrient-rich layers beneath, giving farmers a new, cost-effective way to cultivate their land.  

Camels are kept for milk production in Africa and Asia. In sub-Saharan Africa, camels make up about 8 percent of total milk production. Camel milk is slightly saltier than cow milk and has about eight times more vitamin C than cow milk. It offers an alternative source of this essential nutrient for people living in arid and semi-arid areas who cannot easily access vitamin C from fruits and vegetables.

Besides milk and meat, camels provide several products with economic value:

  • Wool: Camel wool is used to produce high-quality textiles, such as rugs, clothing, and blankets.
  • Hides: Camel leather is durable and used in making shoes, bags, and other products.
  • Manure: Apart from its use as a fertilizer, camel dung can be used as a biofuel for cooking and heating in rural areas.
  • Tourism: In desert regions, camel safaris and rides have become popular attractions, drawing tourists and generating income for local communities.

International Year of Camelids

Camels belong to a family of even-toed ungulate mammals known as camelids that includes llamas, alpacas, and vicunas. In 2024, the UN marked the International Year of Camelids to highlight their vital role in supporting millions of people living in harsh environments across more than 90 countries. The International Year of Camelids 2024 aimed to raise awareness of camels’ untapped potential and urged increased investment, research, capacity development, and innovative practices.

Camels play a vital role in fighting hunger, eradicating extreme poverty, and empowering women. Women are often the first to spot disease symptoms like a sudden drop in milk production or illness in calves. With training, many women have become effective community animal health workers. They care for animals, process and sell camel products, and even take part in cross-border trade.

From providing milk, meat, and pelts for communities to transporting products and people, and producing organic fertilizer, camels thrive where other livestock species struggle.

Photo credit: ILRI/Stevie Mann

In Niger and Mali, these “heroes of the desert” can help advance sustainable agriculture and improve lives through their contribution to livelihoods, food security, and nutrition.

Sources:

Winning the Water Wars

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By Kris Wallace

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “hydropolitics,” you’ll soon be hearing more about it. It’s essentially the discourse that decides where water stays, where it goes, and ultimately who has access to it.

This discussion is becoming crucial as water sources across the globe—particularly those in developing nations—become increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and attack.

Our work in bringing water sovereignty to rural villages in Mali and Niger takes place in two regions where the worst aspects of hydropolitics are right next door. Let’s spotlight the issue, and see how Wells Bring Hope is sure to become an even more impactful ally in the wider water effort.

Hydropolitics at a Glance

One of European influence’s many African legacies is the poor planning of equitable access to water basins. This has led to frequent intertribal conflict and the necessity for treaties across tribal boundaries where peaceful and universal access to water should exist.

Mali and Niger are among the many African nations which today are still negatively impacted by that legacy. They are also hugely dependent on the Niger River basin, the upper system of which lies in Sierra Leone with its middle system receiving six tributaries from Burkina Faso.

In recent years Burkina Faso has seen the destruction of key water facilities, the targeting of water trucks and water routes by unidentified gunmen and assailants, with water sources deliberately contaminated. And since Burkina Faso borders both Niger and Mali, the worst of the water wars are worryingly close while water can be painfully far away.

Three women on the long trek to collect water. Source: WBH

The tactics of these water wars are indicative of a wider trend in African conflicts. While it’s great to hear the African Union make water management a key focus of their 2026 summit, there’s still a lot of work to do.

Water Scarcity is a Perennial Struggle

Access to safe water has always been profoundly difficult in many African regions, with droughts and climate change only exacerbating manmade problems. Here’s a snapshot of the situation in Mali and Niger:

  • 61% of rural Nigerien villagers are without safe water.
  • 63% of rural Malian households have no access to basic sanitation.
  • Vulnerable women and young girls walk four to six miles to access often-unclean water sources.

Niger and Mali both lack high-grade water governance that can ensure fair and peaceful access to clean water, and the slow wheels of politics can’t provide a swift solution.

Getting the job done! Source: WBH

At Wells Bring Hope, we know that water isn’t a commodity to be exploited or restricted. It’s everyone’s right. We’re actively reinforcing that fact by drilling wells and providing tools and education which empower Nigerien and Malian communities to manage their own water sources.

How Wells Bring Hope Strengthens Water Sovereignty

Our eight-step, water-centric mission is succeeding in restoring health, financial prospects, and sustainability to villages in Mali and Niger. Here are some of the many positive changes we see thanks to our volunteers, donors, and partners:

  • Women and girls saved from walking miles for water.
  • Groundwater being purified by building latrines.
  • Improved hygiene practices and reduced illness, disease, and child mortality.
  • Drip farming techniques enabling villagers to grow and market their own food.

Simple handwashing can prevent a host of problems. Source: WBH

And we’re not alone in the fight for basic human rights. Initiatives like Nigeriens Nourishing Nigeriens and Mali’s National Strategic Digital Health Plan are underway within our operating regions proving that other organizations share our spirit.

As a Wells Bring Hope donor, you can be confident that 100% of your donation goes to funding a safe water project. You’ll also know you’re making a powerful difference to present and future generations.

Together, we can win the water wars! Source: WBH

Sources:

  1. Ismail, S. (2026, February 13). Are African ‘water wars’ on the horizon as AU puts the issue on its agenda? Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/13/are-african-water-wars-on-the-horizon-as-au-puts-the-issue-on-its-agenda
  1. News and press release. (2022, May 3). Burkina Faso: Over a quarter million people victims of new “water war” in peak dry season. https://reliefweb.int/report/burkina-faso/burkina-faso-over-quarter-million-people-victims-new-water-war-peak-dry-season#:~:text=Thirty-two%20water%20facilities%20have,any%20other%20in%20the%20country
  1. Press releases. (2026, February 11). AU Executive Council Opens 48th Ordinary Session with Strong Call for Unity, Sustainable Water Management and Accelerated Continental Integration. https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20260211/au-executive-council-opens-48th-ordinary-session-strong-call-unity
  1. Wells Bring Hope. What We Do. https://wellsbringhope.org/what-we-do/
  1. Futurepolicy.org. Niger’s 3N Initiative: ‘Nigeriens Nourishing Nigeriens’. https://www.futurepolicy.org/healthy-ecosystems/nigers-3n-initiative-nigeriens-nourishing-nigeriens/

WASH-Up Program Turns Children into Change Makers

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Diarrhea kills more than 1,000 children across the globe every day. 60% of those deaths are tied to unsafe water and poor sanitation and hygiene. The good news is that when children have access to safe water, adequate sanitation facilities like latrines, and good hygiene education, their risk of water-borne disease and diarrhea drops dramatically. In fact, consistent hand washing with soap cuts the risk of diarrhea by 40%. The challenge is getting communities to adopt these hygiene practices, and that is where Sesame Street comes in.

Sesame Workshop has brought their child-focused, play-based approach to education to the frontlines of the global WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) movement. Through a collaboration with Sesame, our partners at World Vision have developed a program designed to change hygiene practices through a child-centered approach involving games, videos, stories, and of course, Sesame’s iconic muppets. The program centers around the Raya, a six-year-old with aqua-colored skin and clothing and hairstyles that adapt to mirror whichever country and culture she is visiting.

Raya provides an entertaining access point for children to learn about hygiene practices, especially those that can be seen as taboo. Raya is not embarrassed to talk about using the latrine and the importance of washing one’s hands, particularly after defecation. By removing the stigma around these topics, Raya encourages kids to bring the lessons they learn in school home to the older members of their family. In this way, the children become the change-makers in their homes and communities. This kind of inter-generational change is what makes our work sustainable, and we are thrilled that Raya and her WASH-Up program are delivering critical hygiene education to the children that we serve in West Africa.

Watch Raya in Action!

Discover Niger: 5 Incredible Facts About West Africa’s Hidden Gem

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By Dionne Roberts

Exploring the Heart of West Africa

The Republic of Niger is the sixth-largest country on the continent of Africa and the second-largest in West Africa. It is a landlocked country sharing borders with several neighbors. Although it has the sad distinction of being one of the poorest countries in the world, Niger has a rich culture that shines through its vibrant music, colorful festivals, and enduring traditions.

Boat on the Niger River

The following is a brief list and description of several remarkable facts about this West African nation that, despite extreme poverty, continues to demonstrate resilience through the unwavering spirit of its people.

  1.  Home to the majestic Sahel Region-The Sahel is an arid transition zone separating the desert to the north from the more fertile lands to the south. It spans the African continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea and includes a large portion of Niger.
  2. The Legendary City of Agadez- Located in the Aïr Mountains, 400 miles (644 km) northeast of the capital Niamey, Agadez was the ancient capital of the Tuareg tribe. Today, it is a meeting point for many Tuareg communities with a population of almost 125,000. In 2013, this historical city, dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  3. The Mighty Niger River: Lifeline of the Nation- With a length of 2,600 miles (4,200 km), the Niger River is the third longest river in Africa. It arises in Guinea, flows through Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, and empties into the Gulf of Guinea. The Niger River is crucial as a source of fishing, provides irrigation for crops, serves as a means of transportation, and is a source of hydroelectricity.
  4.  The Stunning Aïr Mountains- The Aïr Mountains are a group of granite mountains rising from the Sahara in Central Niger. Several in the range exceed 6,000 feet (1,800 m). The mountains are dissected by deep valleys that support vegetation and the pasturing of livestock, maintained mostly by the Tauregs. Hot springs, rock carvings, uranium, and other minerals are also present.
  5. A Nation of Festivals and Vibrant Culture- Because many Nigeriens are Muslim, Islamic religious observances dominate much of the year, but there are also several secular and state holidays. Some include:
  • Bianou Festival- To celebrate the Muslim New Year, the Bianou Festival is held in the city of Agadez to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and the construction of the Great Mosque of Agadez. It is celebrated for 3 days and includes drumming, musicians, dancing, and camel races.
  • Salt Cure Festival- Every fall, several nomad tribes gather in an area of green pastures, palm groves, and date plantations. The name “salt cure” comes from the salt contained in the grass. The nomads believe the salt cure fattens the animals.
  •  Gerewol: A Male Beauty Contest- As part of the Salt Cure Festival, the Wodaabe tribe holds an annual male beauty contest, where women are the judges. The men spend hours decorating themselves with clothes, jewelry, and makeup. Dancing and singing ensue to attract the group of young, unmarried women who serve as judges.
Grand Mosque of Agadez, Niger photo courtesy of US Africa Command Photostream
  • Conclusion: 
  • From its vast stretch of the Sahel Region, which bridges the desert with the fertile land regions, to the historic city of Agadez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and heart of the Tuareg society, Niger holds a significant place in West Africa.
  • The mighty Niger River serves as a crucial lifeline, supporting transportation, agriculture, fishing, and electricity. Rising dramatically from the Sahara, the granite Aïr Mountains provide unique landscapes, natural resources, and grazing lands that sustain local communities.
  • Finally, Niger’s many festivals—from the Bianou Festival to the Salt Cure Festival and the dazzling Gerewol male beauty contest—celebrate deep-rooted traditions and showcase the vibrant spirit of its people. Together, these five incredible facts reveal Niger as a hidden gem with a powerful story to tell.

Source

Book: Seffal, Rabah. Niger. (Cultures of the World). New York, NY: Cavendish Square Publishing, 2020

    Joy and Purpose Through Service

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    By Jalene Jacob

    A Simple Desire

    When I decided to join Wells Bring Hope, I wasn’t entirely sure how I would balance part-time volunteering with my full-time career in healthcare. What began as a simple desire to give back quickly became something much deeper: a source of joy, connection, and purpose. I remember attending my first team meeting and being struck by how passionate everyone was. With the most supportive leaders, each person brings a unique story and skill set, yet we all unite by one shared belief: that access to clean water can transform health and empower communities.

    A Deeper Joy

    Volunteering and collaborating have always been a meaningful part of my life, but my experience with Wells Bring Hope has been uniquely rewarding. Though balancing a full-time career in medicine while volunteering might sound challenging, it has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my profession. Through my work on the “Volunteer Management,” “Newsletter Editorial” and Blog teams, and by helping recruit new volunteers and share stories from the field, I have come to appreciate how service, no matter how small, reflects far beyond what we can see.

    There is something deeply powerful about knowing that my efforts, combined with those of other volunteers, help bring clean water and hope to underserved communities. Whether I am editing a story, onboarding a new volunteer, or highlighting the incredible work being done on the ground, I can see both the direct and indirect impact of our collective work. Every new well, every story, every new volunteer, reminds me that transformation begins when people decide to show up and give of themselves. 

    Unity with Diversity

    What makes Wells Bring Hope truly special is the diversity within its community. Our volunteers span generations, professions, and cultures, yet we work together with one shared mission: to save lives and empower women, girls and communities through access to safe water. Collaborating with people who share this common purpose is energizing and brings meaning to every project.

    For anyone who has ever considered volunteering and is wondering where or how to start, I can only say that there is a place for you here. Whether you have a few hours a month or can contribute regularly, every skill, story, and act of service counts. You don’t have to be an expert, just show up with a willing heart. 

    Being part of Wells Bring Hope continues to remind me that when we give of ourselves, we don’t just change the lives of others, we also change our own. In serving, we discover connection, purpose, and humility that transcends distance and circumstance.

    The Immeasurable Impact

    Volunteering with Wells Bring Hope teaches empathy, patience, and perspective. It reinforces that change often happens in the consistent, behind-the-scenes efforts that make someone else’s life better. Every story I help share, every new well that’s counted, and every new volunteer I partner with becomes a small contributing part in a much larger story of hope and transformation.

    Each time a new well is drilled, it represents more than clean water. It symbolizes restored dignity, health, and opportunity. Women no longer walk for miles in search of unsafe water, and children can spend their days in school rather than collecting it. Knowing that our collective efforts contribute to this transformation fills me with tremendous gratitude and reminds me why this mission matters.

    Denim and Diamonds

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    On Sunday, September 21st, Wells Bring Hope’s founder and president Barbara Goldberg welcomed guests to the Club Room at Bel Air Crest.  The theme was “Denim & Diamonds,” and the event featured music by Ted Kamp & Friends. With its cushy chairs and elegant décor, the lounge had a relaxed, laidback feel.

    With perfect weather once again, guests enjoyed the expansive outdoor terrace that overlooked the hills of Bel Air. The terrace was filled with auction tables, offering plenty of enticing things to buy, all donated by the Board, friends of WBH, and generous corporate partners. Enjoying the festivities were several of our event sponsors Greg and Becky Rang from Lido Wealth Management, along with Patricia Vick, Leslee Greathead and Marsha and Mark Hierbaum.

    The bar featured three enticing drinks to carry out our theme: “Buckin’ Broncho,” “Bling It On,” and “Wicked Wild West.” They were mixed to perfection by bartenders, Darin and Kim.  Red and white wines were once again donated by Le Vigne Winery. Guests nibbled on delicious food from Edible 360. The many delicious bites included Hopalong Cassidy’s Brisket Sliders and the Annie Oakley’s BBQ Flank Steak Skewers.

    With many newcomers in attendance, Founder and President, Barbara Goldberg told guests about our cause and what makes it worthy of their support, and she debuted WBH’s latest video, which touches on the organization’s expansion into Mali.

    Our honoree this year was Firouzeh Banki, who was inspired by Gil Garcetti back in 2012 to spread the story of the water crisis in West Africa. Some of the people who came had a profound influence on the growth of Wells Bring Hope, including the Hierbaums, Mandana and Alan Azad and the Fillipini’s, owners of Le Vigne Winery.

    Auctioneer extraordinaire, Mark Shustrin, began his very lively, action-packed appeal in an effort to separate guests from their money! He kicked it off by auctioning a glass of water!!

    Guests got the chance to bid on some exciting travel packages including trips to Belize, New York: City & Country, and the White Stallion Ranch.  Mark’s enthusiasm and energy spurred donors on!  The evening climaxed with a Last Paddle Battle, and the lucky winner is looking forward to a two-night stay at Two Bunch Palms!

    We could not have had such a successful event without our incredible group of volunteers who did everything from setting up our fun photo station to checking guests in at registration and running the auction tables.

    We were especially fortunate to once again have Ms. McFayden, Ms. Leon and their amazing group of scholars from Odyssey STEM Academy’s Tree Huggers club. Despite it being a school night, this group of teachers and students arrived early and stayed until long after the last guest had left. We absolutely could not have done it without them!

    Special thanks as well to Marsha and Mark Hierbaum who got us the beautiful venue and to Eduardo who did a magnificent job on the floral arrangements as always.  We were also happy to have once again had Peggy Kelly of Timeless Celebrations orchestrating it all for us! Thanks also to our incredible photographer Tatsu, who captured it all!

    Thanks to all who came to support our effort to save lives with safe water, particularly our hard-working Board of Directors!

    Clean Water Access Is Directly Tied to Maternal and Child Health

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    By Jalene Jacob

    In June 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global call to scale up midwifery models of care, urging countries to adopt more population-centered, evidence-based approaches to improving maternal and newborn health. 

    This guidance emphasized a critical, yet often overlooked reality that midwives are frequently the first and only point of care for women in low-resource settings. However, without the basic infrastructure to support safe practices, even the most skilled clinicians face limitations. Access to clean water is one of the most powerful, yet under-addressed determinants of health, particularly for women and children.

    Wells Bring Hope

    Today, nearly 2 billion people worldwide still lack access to clean water. In communities across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Niger and Mali, as well as other underserved regions, waterborne illnesses, poor sanitation, and limited hygiene continue to undermine health, hinder education, and perpetuate poverty. The consequences are particularly devastating for pregnant women and newborns who are most vulnerable to infection and preventable complications.

    For Wells Bring Hope, the mission goes beyond infrastructure. By providing sustainable, solar-powered wells, we help transform health outcomes, build resilience, and restore dignity to the residents of these communities. Our work addresses a growing health essential often highlighted by community organizations and other global institutions. Clean water is foundational to strong, inclusive health systems.

    Wells Bring Hope Health Clinics

    Beyond clinical skills

    Safe care depends on more than clinical knowledge. It requires the ability to maintain hygiene, prevent infection, and ensure safe birthing environments. Yet according to WHO and UNICEF, 1 in 4 healthcare facilities worldwide lack basic water services and the consequences are fatal. Just imagine: more than 800 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. These deaths are avoidable and many could be prevented with something as simple as clean water.

    Access to safe water is one of the most cost-effective, high-impact interventions in public health. It plays a central role in achieving several of WHO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including: good health and well-being, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and reduced inequalities. 

    The link to maternal and child health and well-being

    Clean water access is directly tied to maternal and child health, school attendance, economic opportunity, and overall well-being. When water is safe and available, communities are healthier. Girls can stay in school instead of walking miles to fetch water. Health workers can operate in clean, infection-free environments. Families can grow food, earn income, and escape the cycle of poverty. In essence, clean water unlocks progress across every sector.

    In closing, it is important to note that clean water is not a luxury, it is the foundation of public health. As WHO reminds us, strengthening care through midwifery and primary health services is essential to saving lives; however, these interventions cannot succeed in isolation. They must be supported by access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

    Every community deserves access to basic resources regardless of geography or income, which is why Wells Bring Hope remains committed to funding at least one health clinic water system each year. This year, we have already funded three mechanized, solar-powered water systems for rural health care facilities. Each of these systems brings running water to the clinics treatment and exam rooms, making appropriate hygiene and sanitation practices possible and allowing women and newborns the dignity of a bath after birth.

    Source

    1. World Health Organization. (2025, June 18). WHO calls for global expansion of midwifery models of care. https://www.who.int/news/item/18-06-2025-who-calls-for-global-expansion-of-midwifery-models-of-care

    2. World Health Organization & United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (2021). Global progress report on water, sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities: Fundamentals first. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240017542

    3. World Health Organization. (2023). Maternal mortality. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality

    4. United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals

    Mali: A Brief History

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    By Manvitha Kathula

    Map: Empire of Mali under Mansa Musa (1337), provided by TheCollector.com

    The Mali Empire, one of the greatest empires in African history, thrived from the early 13th to the 17th century, stretching across what is now Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and parts of Niger. At its peak, Mali was a center of wealth, culture, and learning, drawing attention from across the Islamic world and beyond.

    Founding & Expansion

    The story of Mali begins in the fertile lands of the Niger River valley, where a small Mandinka kingdom gradually grew into a dominant regional power. Around 1235, the empire was firmly established after Sundiata Keita, a skilled warrior and strategist, defeated Sosso king Soumaoro Kanté at the Battle of Kirina. Sundiata then made Niani the empire’s capital and laid the foundations for centuries of political unity, prosperity, and cultural development.

    Trade & Wealth

    Mali’s influence was built on its control of the trans-Saharan trade routes, which connected West Africa to North Africa and the Mediterranean world. The empire grew wealthy by taxing the trade of high-demand goods like gold (especially from Bambuk and Bure), salt, ivory, and slaves.

    Trade also encouraged the growth of cities, fostered agriculture (including crops like sorghum, millet, and rice), and supported animal husbandry with cattle, goats, and camels. As goods and ideas flowed through the region, Mali became not just an economic powerhouse but a cultural and intellectual one as well.

    Mansa Musa & Islamic Scholarship

    Detail from the Catalan Atlas Sheet 6 showing Mansa Musa attributed to Abraham Cresques shared by Wikimedia Commons

    The most renowned ruler of Mali was Mansa Musa, who ruled from around 1312 to 1337. He is best remembered for his legendary pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, during which he distributed so much gold in Cairo that it disrupted the local economy for years.

    But Mansa Musa’s legacy goes far beyond his wealth. He turned Timbuktu and Gao into vibrant centers of Islamic learning, inviting architects and scholars from across the Muslim world. Under his patronage, mosques, libraries, and madrasas flourished, and Timbuktu became a repository of knowledge with thousands of manuscripts covering theology, science, medicine, and law.

    Culture & Architecture

    Mali’s cities reflected a unique blend of Islamic influence and West African traditions. The empire’s architecture, especially in cities like Djenné and Timbuktu, is characterized by mud-brick construction and the distinctive Sudano-Sahelian style. The Great Mosque of Djenné, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a powerful symbol of Mali’s cultural achievements.

    The Great Mosque of Djenne located in Mali West Africa shared by Wikimedia Commons

    The empire also produced intricate terra-cotta sculptures, many dating from the 13th to 15th centuries, which offer glimpses into daily life. Archers, horsemen, and local customs were depicted with remarkable detail and artistry.

    Decline & Legacy

    After Mansa Musa’s death, the empire slowly declined due to internal power struggles, regional rebellions, and foreign invasions. The Battle of Jenné in 1599, fought against Moroccan forces, marked a decisive blow to Mali’s remaining power and influence.

    Yet the legacy of the Mali Empire endures. Its language (Mandinka) and cultural traditions remain strong across West Africa. The empire’s contributions to education, religion, architecture, and commerce continue to inspire pride and admiration. And the story of Mansa Musa who is the emperor who reshaped the world’s understanding of African wealth and knowledge still captures imaginations today.

    Sources:

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AMALI_empire_map.PNG

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=The+Great+Mosque+of+Djenn%C3%A9&title=Special%3AMediaSearch&type=image

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catalan_Atlas_BNF_Sheet_6_Mansa_Musa_(cropped).jpg

    https://www.thecollector.com/maps-resources/empire-mali-mansa-musa-map

    https://www.culturesofwestafrica.com/west-african-kingdoms