Baoubamanan, Mali
Ground Break, May 2026
We’re excited to announce that the school in Baoubamanan, Mali has just begun it’s build!
At Baoubamanan Primary School in Mali, 81 students are currently learning in a small, dilapidated classroom with cracked walls and a roof that leaks when it rains. The wooden beams overhead are rotting, and the entire structure risks collapsing by next winter, making it an unsafe environment for both students and teachers.
Through the partnership with the community, buildOn and the Magic Future Foundation, this school will not only be a safe, durable building, but will also work to increase the number of girls enrolled - ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn in a space that supports their safety, dignity, and future.
About Baoubamanan, MALI
Mali, a West African nation celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, faces significant educational and economic challenges. As of 2020, the adult literacy rate stands at approximately 31%, indicating that a substantial portion of the population lacks basic reading and writing skills. Economically, over 40% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2018, equating to nearly 8.4 million individuals.
These challenges are particularly pronounced in remote rural communities like Baoubamanan, where buildOn is actively engaged. In such areas, illiteracy rates are higher, and educational opportunities are limited. Most residents are subsistence farmers, cultivating crops such as corn, millet, sorghum, cotton, and peanuts. The lack of access to quality education perpetuates the cycle of poverty, making initiatives like buildOn essential for empowering these communities and fostering sustainable development.
THE GROUND-BREAK CEREMONY
At the groundbreaking ceremony, the story of Oli was shared with the community to honour his memory - you can watch the video below.
MEET ROKIa
Meet Rokia, a bright and spirited girl from the community of Baoubamanan. Currently in the 3rd grade, Rokia's favorite subject is math, and she dreams of becoming a teacher when she grows up to help educate children like herself. Outside of school, Rokia loves to spend her free time reading. Like the other 81 children in Baoubamanan, Rokia has been attending school in a challenging and unsafe environment. Thanks to your incredible generosity, she will soon have the opportunity to learn in a safe, sturdy, and inspiring new school. Your support is helping to nurture Rokia's dreams and paving the way for a brighter future for her and her classmates.
The Build Gallery
Full photo gallery to come as the build progresses!
