mali’s Literacy Project Faces Setback After USAID Funding Cut

A literacy project in Mali, aimed at teaching young people to read and write in their local languages, has been abruptly shut down following significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid. The Shifin ni Tagne project, meaning our future in a local Malian language, had been a beacon of hope for many seeking education and empowerment.

The Impact of Funding Cuts

The $25 million project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Growth (USAID) over five years, aimed to educate approximately 20,000 young Malians.The Trump administration’s decision to cut 90% of USAID’s foreign aid led to the project’s premature closure, leaving many like 18-year-old Aminata doumbia in despair.

The joy I felt when I was selected for this project has been replaced by sadness. I don’t have any hope of realising my dream [again].
Aminata Doumbia, Malian resident

Poverty, Illiteracy, and Instability

Mali faces significant challenges, including high poverty and insecurity levels. According to Sylla Fatoumata Cisse,director of a government agency focusing on non-formal education and national languages,70% of the population has not had the chance to learn to read and write.

The USAID funding cut coincides with the withdrawal of support from other European development partners following the 2021 coup, which brought junta leader Assimi Goita to power. This confluence of events has created a precarious situation for the country’s development.

Empowerment Through Literacy

The Shifin ni Tagne project offered a pathway to literacy and empowerment. modibo Sissoko, literacy supervisor at the Malian Association for Survival in the Sahel, explained that beneficiaries would advance to vocational skills training after becoming literate. Thes skills included:

• Hairdressing
• Carpentry
• Sewing
• Welding
• Pastry-making

These skills enable the economically disadvantaged to create jobs for themselves, earn a living or support their families.
Modibo Sissoko,literacy supervisor at the Malian association for Survival in the Sahel

The Role of Local Languages

Issiaka Ballo, a professor and researcher in native languages at Mali’s University of bamako, emphasized the importance of teaching in mother tongues. With the teaching of mother tongues, its possible to move quickly towards mass literacy among the population. He noted that only 30% of the population has been educated in French, the country’s common language.

Ripple Effects of USAID’s Withdrawal

USAID had been a primary development partner for the Malian government. The abrupt cessation of assistance has impacted not only literacy programs but also initiatives aimed at increasing adult education and expanding literacy projects to public schools.

The Gaoussou Dabo School in Bamako, one of 1,000 schools benefiting from mother-tongue education through USAID funding, now faces uncertainty. Amadi Ba,a counselor at the Pedagogical Animation Center,described the funding cut as a big shock for us. While teachers trained last year continue to teach, the monitoring and evaluation aspects of the program have been withdrawn.

Language Policy Shift

In 2023,Mali’s military government made native tongues the official languages,relegating French to a working language. Official documents, including the constitution and mining code, were translated into national languages.

The USAID cut will certainly have a negative impact on the development of mother-tongue education, especially since it came in the middle of the school year. We haven’t even had time to think about a mechanism to cushion the blow.
Sylla Fatoumata Cisse, director of a government agency focusing on non-formal education and national languages in Mali

success Stories

Despite the challenges, the program has had a positive impact on many individuals.Oumou Traore, a mother of two who grows onions and eggplants, shared how the training improved her farming business. Since I learned to calculate the weight of my onions and keep my accounts in my mother tongue, I’ve started selling my onions myself. I now earn $95 instead of the $60 I used to get. this has encouraged me to grow other vegetables.

Geopolitical implications

The 2021 coup led Mali to turn to Russia as a key ally, severing ties with the West. Some experts suggest that the withdrawal of U.S. aid may create opportunities for rivals like Russia, despite concerns about human rights abuses associated with Russian mercenaries. fatimata Toure, a development specialist, believes that it will be difficult to find takers for the projects left behind by USAID.