New classrooms boost school enrollment in Gao
In support of the government’s efforts, UNICEF is working to improve the quality of education for children affected by the crisis in Gao region, with support from Education Cannot Wait.
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“Before, we studied in poor conditions, and it was very difficult to follow the lessons. Today, thanks to the new classrooms, we have new benches and school kits. This encourages us to attend classes and achieve better results," said Aichatou, 12, a student at Kongo Gamo basic school for the past two years. She expressed her enthusiasm after her school benefited from the construction of new classrooms in 2024.
"I’m happy to come to school every day. We're well protected from the sun and wind. My classmates and I will keep the school clean for our younger brothers and sisters."
Before the classrooms were built, Aichatou and her classmates studied in roofless huts for several years.
The construction of new classrooms brings hope to children in Gao
With the aim of improving learning conditions and ensuring that every child has access to education, UNICEF launched a project to support children affected by the crisis in the Gao region, with a particular focus on girls. The project aims to provide access to quality education for all school-age children in the region, including both local children and internally displaced persons. It also seeks to improve learning conditions, as well as health and hygiene standards in schools.
Towards a safer, more attractive school environment conducive to quality education
As part of this initiative, Kongo Gamo Basic School benefited from the construction of three classrooms, an office for the principal, and two separate toilet blocks with three latrines each—one for girls and one for boys. A water borehole with a drinking water distribution point was also installed. Additionally, 140 desks and school kits were provided, funded by Education Cannot Wait. This project has significantly contributed to increasing the school attendance rate, especially for girls, and has helped keep them in school through awareness-raising efforts and advocacy by parents who are members of the School Management Committees (CGS in French).
Before the classrooms were built, Kongo Gamo School had an enrollment of 393 children, including 214 girls and 179 boys. After the construction of three new classrooms, the school saw a record increase in enrollment—31 percent—bringing the total to 518 students, including 251 girls and 267 boys, as of the 2024–2025 school year.
"UNICEF has brought new life and hope to the children of Gao. Half of our students are internally displaced and have integrated well."
"I’m happy to be in a clean classroom. I’m going to study hard to become a good citizen and a teacher, like my mum"
The construction of the new classrooms has had a positive impact on local communities and has given hope to all the girls and boys in Gounzoureye. Like Aichatou and her classmates, Aminatou is also motivated to attend classes regularly and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.
Access to drinking water in schools is a priority for UNICEF
In addition to building classrooms, UNICEF has installed a borehole to provide students with access to drinking water for proper hygiene and hydration.
Kongo Gamo Basic School is now a safer, more attractive, and healthier environment, able to accommodate hundreds of pupils under better conditions. The determination, resilience, and motivation of Aichatou and her classmates to succeed are a source of hope for the entire local community.
Since 2012, Mali has faced significant security challenges in the northern regions, particularly in Gao, leading to large-scale migration. This unstable situation has affected thousands of families and directly impacted children’s education, forcing many to drop out of school. In addition to the security situation, inadequate infrastructure and poor learning conditions are major factors contributing to school dropouts. "Creating an attractive school environment is crucial to encourage out-of-school children and their parents to commit to education. This starts with providing enough classrooms," said Bernard Jérôme Neossi Demanou, Education Specialist in Gao.
