Mali

Background – Mali is one of the poorest countries worldwide. The unfortunate climatic conditions - the country constitutes of desert for around two thirds – and grave health risks like aids, malaria and hepatitis prove to be enormous barriers for the economical development. Un- and underemployment are widespread and more than half of the adults are illiterate. The income is divided unequally and over 70% of the population has to live from less than one US-Dollar a day. The instable economy suffers additionally from continuing turmoil in the neighbouring countries (i.e. Ivory Coast). As a result of lacking perspectives a lot of people emigrate.

The project – Since 1999 Swisscontact advices local private and governmental partners with the establishment of a national apprenticeship system. In addition to the practical education vocational school training is an integral part of the project. There the participants are taught career-specific courses as well as reading and writing and further vital knowledge like disease prevention. The range of courses offered in the nine education centres, which are spread over the whole country, is based on the needs of Mali’s economy: car mechanics and electrics, coiffure, electronics, AC mechanics, metal works, motorcycle mechanics, tailoring and cabinet making.

Additional schools are planned as well as courses in building careers and carpet knotting. Every year around 1500 young women and men qualify for a profession. Besides that we offer education programs for instructors and advance thus the know-how in the enterprises. The apprenticeship instructors receive preparation and qualification for their tasks. We support the education centres with the design of the curricula and the organisation of schooling. The new apprenticeship system is going to supply Mali’s economy with a qualified work force. They can engage themselves in the existing businesses or as small entrepreneurs creating jobs themselves. Only with a higher quota of employment the country may find its way out of poverty.