By Barbara Goldberg and Kate Cusimano
After 17 years of working only in Niger, we are excited to announce that Wells Bring Hope is expanding! At the suggestion of our longtime partner, World Vision, we have started working in Mali, Niger’s neighbor to the west. We kicked off this new effort by funding 24 solar-powered mechanized water projects in Mali in December of last year.
Why Mali?
While the need is still great in Niger, we’ve made tremendous progress there, and Mali can use our help. Out of 193 countries on the U.N. Development Index, Mali ranks 188, followed closely by Niger and Chad, tied for 189.
Mali’s statistics are grim:
- 44.7% of the population in Mali is in severe multi-dimensional poverty, with another 15.3% described as vulnerable to it.
- Life expectancy at birth is 59.4 years
- The average Malian receives just seven years of education
- Maternal mortality is high – 440 deaths per 100,000 live births
We felt confident expanding our efforts because we know how outstanding the World Vision Mali team is. In fact, it is headed up by Mamane Amadou, the man we first worked with when we started in Niger.
Mali is not entirely new to us. Our first solar water project was drilled in the village of Nonsombougou, Mali in 2012.
Like Niger, Mali is fascinating country with rich cultural traditions, and we look forward to introducing you to the nation and its people as we continue our work of saving lives with safe water in West Africa. We look forward to this renewed relationship and anticipate as much success in Mali as we’ve had in Niger.
