MALI: Students’ skills and accomplishments showcased
St. John Bosco Center committed to quality vocational training
MALI
(MissionNewswire) The St. John Bosco Center in Sikasso, Mali*, organized an “Open Day” to present the work and achievements of the institute to teachers, students, partners and guests. Visitors were able to admire original works, ranging from handicrafts to technical productions, all created by students as part of their training.
A Salesian explained, “The day was an opportunity for the students to showcase the fruits of their learning through the sale of products and a series of exhibitions. It also allowed the center and its partners to strengthen ties and open the school’s doors to the local community, curious to discover the skills developed in this place of education.”
Teachers and students guided visitors through the stands, explaining the techniques used and the educational objectives pursued. With this initiative, the Salesian center reaffirmed its commitment to quality vocational training, showcasing how the student’s newly learned skills could improve their lives and their futures.
Since 2012, Mali has faced a political and security crisis that has been concentrated mainly in the north of the country. The crisis has now reached the center of the country and is affecting hundreds of people, especially children. Since 2018, the country has seen an increase in violence, insecurity and serious violations of international humanitarian law. The country faced two coup d’états in August 2020 and May 2021 and continues to be marked by political and economic instability.
UNICEF has indicated that more than 2 million children between 5 and 17 do not go to school. More than half of children are still not literate. Children in Mali often have to drop out of school to work, enter child marriages or because of school closures. The country also struggles to find enough qualified teachers and textbooks for students. Only 73.8% of girls and 85.5% of boys are enrolled in primary school and only 15% of girls and 21% of boys continue to secondary school, UNICEF reports.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – Mali – Open Day at the St John Bosco Centre in Sikasso
UNICEF – Mali
*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.
