Libraries under the mango trees
Access to books is still hard to come by in many Malian neighbourhoods. Since 2002, ECOS Mali has been setting up libraries in the shade of the mango trees in Heremankono. No registration, no fees: just a place where children can read, listen to stories, and do their homework with an adult nearby. In 2024 that meant 48 sessions held, 50 children supported (60% girls), backed by 5 young volunteers.
- Libraries set up directly in neighbourhoods, no registration needed.
- Storytelling sessions, reading clubs and homework support.
- Books and materials suited to the local context.
Agropastoral training
Many young Malians leave their villages for lack of opportunities. ECOS Mali trains them in land-based trades (fish farming, organic market gardening, local food processing) so they can make a living without leaving home. In 2024, 52 young people in precarious situations, including 34 displaced by conflict, went through this training, and 62% of them have since started a small project of their own.
- Hands-on training in livestock, market gardening and fish farming.
- Support setting up small income-generating activities.
- One-to-one follow-up to help each person get their project off the ground.
Climate resilience
Droughts, worn-out soil, increasingly unpredictable rains: Sahel families are on the front line of climate change. ECOS Mali trains community facilitators in agroecological practices and reforestation, so this knowledge stays in place long after we've moved on. Ten trainers were certified at the Tiebani workshop in September 2024.
- Training in agroecology and water management.
- Reforestation campaigns with local residents.
- Local facilitators able to pass these practices on in turn.
Social cohesion
Peace isn't declared, it's built day by day. ECOS Mali creates spaces where young people, women and customary authorities can talk to each other, resolve disagreements and build projects together, drawing on traditional ways of mediating conflict.
- Regular meetings across generations and neighbourhood groups.
- Support for initiatives led by women and young people.
- Sustained work on peaceful conflict resolution.
