Mali Development Group

In January the MDG committee began discussions in a lengthy skype discussion direct with Kone in Bamako about our fourth 3-year plan. We began this process soon after we began work in 2001,when we realised our commitments needed more structure and planning. Information about the 2002/5, 2005/8 and 2008/11 work plans was regularly reported to members through our newsletters and the web site. We have now decided to go over to the calendar rather than UK financial year, so the next plan is due to come into effect on 1^st January 2011. From the end of this year funding for the Reproductive Health/Peer Educator programme will end, after nearly 7 years. We are confident that the project will continue with new funders. This will enable us to make a significant change in priorities, and so far the main project areas for the new work plan seem likely to be as follows:

 

Kone would like the new work plan to include commitment to a new malaria prevention project in Manankoro- although J&D has achieved a great deal in the villages over the years this area of work especially still needs to be tackled. The plan will be to develop a pilot project and then attract longer term funding.

This has always been a theme of MDG’s contribution. J&D would like this to take a new form through our proposed ‘Second Step’ project. J&D have been working in southern Mali on developing many new women’s micro-credit groups. The groups enable women to play a much bigger role in their communities. J&D propose that MDG give extra support and encouragement to some of these groups by encouraging them to put forward projects for MDG to fund- perhaps 5 or 6 per year. J&D workers would support the development of project plans, but the ideas and detailed planning will come from the groups themselves. This means there may be considerable variety in the ideas put forward! Over three years this will add up to a considerable programme.

 

Kone is very pleased that our work with Gifford is going to continue, and we hope that there will a Gifford supported project on alternate years in 2011 and 2013. This will depend on planning being carried out in 2010. These projects may be small dams as at Mafele and Soromba, but other buildings and community projects might also be considered. As with the women’s projects it will all depend on the views and involvement of local people. We also hope that with support from Gifford, Joe Milthorp’s mother and family will be able to attend the naming of the Soromba dam in Joe’s memory early next year.

 

J&D desperately need a new vehicle. MDG usually aims to include some ‘tools and equipment’ items in the work plan- the vehicle and ongoing support for IT will be the priorities.

J&D desperately needs new premises, as well as wishing to develop a community centre in the Commune, where all our Bamako projects have taken place. J&D has the land available, and is working on a detailed plan. We hope to agree on a specific contribution to this project alongside J&D’s other supporters and funders.