The Republic of Mali is a landlocked West African nation comprising sparsely populated desert lands in the north and the more densely populated and fertile south. Like many sub-Saharan nations, Mali faces numerous challenges related to poverty, malnutrition, and access to clean water.

Medical facilities are limited and malaria, cholera, and tuberculosis are prevalent, although HIV-AIDS rates are among the lowest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. In part this may be attributed to Mali’s Islamic heritage and traditional sexual mores. Islam as practiced in Mali is moderate and tolerant of minority faiths. The constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the government largely respects this right.

Although public education in Mali is free and compulsory for children, many families are unable to cover the cost of supplies and fees. In this context, YFWP-Mali is carrying out a series of conferences at different schools in Bamako, Mali’s capital and largest city, currently estimated to be the fastest growing city in Africa.

YFWP-Mali’s program, “Character Education: Foundation for Successful Schooling,” brought more than 400 students and teachers from area schools to address the need to incorporate values rooted in faith to build strong families, communities and, ultimately, a more prosperous nation. YFWP-Mali’s president, Boniface Kone, and the Universal Peace Federation’s Secretary General, Dena Parfait, gave presentations examining HIV-AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and explained how personal responsibility, respect for oneself and one’s partner, and cultivation of good character are the most important factors for maintaining good health and achieving success in life.

The conference was organized by YFWP-Mali’s secretary for external relations Tieba Traore, with support from administrative secretary Dassé Diarra, secretary for cultural activities and sports Dr. Abdoul Karim Samake, secretary Cléophas Tienou, and president of the student organization W-CARP Mali, Aliou Ousman Maiga.?

For more information on YFWP’s leadership and peace building projects, visit www.youthfederation.org