Promoting literacy and Ebola prevention in Mali

A Letter from the Executive Director:

Dear Friends,

Summer is my favorite season because it affords me the opportunity to visit with our wonderful partners and host communities in Mali. I’ve returned from my latest visit with some terrific updates for you.

One of my favorite moments from the trip was a visit to Zeala where we're building a new Women’s Literacy Center. Spirits were high as Elizabeth Traore, the director of the Zeala literacy program, led us through the village to greet chief Nouma Konare and visit the center. Mr. Konare and elders expressed their gratitude to African Sky, and our construction team raved about the tireless work ethic of the Zeala community. When we visited the construction site, the literacy students erupted in a celebration with singing, dancing and drumming. Afterward Elizabeth led a demonstration lesson with enthusiastic students practicing writing and math on small chalkboards. It was remarkable to see several of Elizabeth’s returning students lead newer pupils through learning exercises. Watch for updates as our team finishes construction and plans the grand opening of our new women's literacy center.

In addition to the Zeala visit, we launched an exciting new seed exchange; we visited with a Peace Corps mini-grant recipient; we distributed dozens of shoes and hundreds of articles of clothing for children; and we distributed first aid supplies. I also did some field testing for the Dokotoro Project, a collaboration involving the translation of a medical field guide into the Bamanankan language.

I would like to send a special thank you to Drew Jacoby and Geno Catalano who designed the new Zeala Literacy Center. In addition, thank you to American Greetings and Ron Lacy for donating the children's shoes and clothes we distributed, as well as MedWish International and Christine Lacy for the first aid supplies we left with our host communities. Last, all of us at African Sky are extremely grateful to all of you who were so kind to support our efforts and share our Facebook updates during my Mali trip.

We’re always happy to hear from you, so if you have ideas or questions about our organization, please be in touch.

Spread Love,
Scott M. Lacy
African Sky Executive Director

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Join us in building capacity for Ebola prevention in our Malian partner communities

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