Learning needs more than just a classroom: UNICEF and partners together for a safe, healthy, and inclusive start to Mali’s school year

Bamako, 1 October, 2026 – As the 2026–2027 school year begins, UNICEF reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the Government of Mali to ensure that every child has the right to a quality education in a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment.  

This new school year begins against a backdrop marked by both encouraging progress and persistent challenges. With support from UNICEF and its partners, 151,189 children received school kits and educational materials over the past year, helping to improve their access to learning. Despite the advances, more than two million children remain out of school or are at risk of being out of school (according to the 2024 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report modelled estimate), while 2,444 schools remain non-operational across the country, affecting more than 733,000 children and nearly 14,700 teachers, according to Education Cluster data. 

On the occasion of the official launch of the new school year, Minister of National Education Dr. Amadou Sy Savane stated: “The decision to designate the 2026–2027 period as the Year of Education and Culture reflects the vision and commitment of Mali’s highest authorities. This initiative positions education and culture as two essential drivers of Mali’s development. The key challenge is to translate this vision and commitment into concrete actions and sustainable results by mobilizing the entire educational community.” 

For many children in Mali, school is much more than a place of learning. It is a space for protection, socialization, and hope. A school with a healthy environment, safe drinking water, adequate and gender-sensitive sanitation facilities, and safe food practices not only helps improve learning but also strengthens students’ health and well-being. 

“Making education and culture a national priority means investing in Mali’s future. Every child who learns, every girl who stays in school, every teacher who receives support—these are concrete steps toward a stronger Mali,” emphasized Ms. Hanaa Fikry Ahmed Singer, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Mali.  

“Alongside the Government and communities, the United Nations remains fully committed to ensuring that more children can learn, grow up safely, and build their future here in Mali. I wish everyone a wonderful school year. ” 

Throughout the school year, UNICEF will continue to support the Government of Mali in promoting access to quality education, ensuring that the most vulnerable children stay in school, and that learning conditions are improved through integrated education, nutrition, water, hygiene, sanitation, and child protection initiatives.  

The UNICEF Representative in Mali, Mr. Mohammad Fayyazi, stated: “To learn and succeed, every child needs much more than a classroom: they need water, health care, nutrition, and protection. Together, let’s invest in every child in Mali.” 

Every child has aspirations for their future and the start of this school year is an opportunity to highlight their expectations and their vision of a safe, inclusive, and high-quality school, where every girl and every boy can learn, grow, and fully develop their potential – as two students from the Institute for Blind Youth in Mali put it.   

 “I’m happy to be back in school; I want to learn so I can serve my country,” said Aboul Karim, 13 years old. 

 “I couldn’t wait for school to start again because I love learning and I missed my classmates,” said Aminata, 12 years old. 

 This year’s model lesson conducted as a special event in schools across Mali focuses on food safety in schools, a theme that underscores that children learn best when they are in an environment that protects their health, well-being, and development. 

As the new school year begins, UNICEF urges authorities, partners, communities, and families to continue investing in education, nutrition, water, sanitation, and child protection. These investments are essential to enabling every girl and every boy to reach their full potential and contribute to Mali’s development. 

Happy back-to-school to every girl and boy in Mali!