In Timbuktu, Abdoul Aziz encourages every parent to actively participate in their child's education.
How do the young ambassadors of the new school year encourage parents to become involved in their children's education?
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The message being shared on the streets of Timbuktu by Abdoul Aziz, a child ambassador advocating for the return of children to school, is clear: "Together, let us bring all children to school." At just 16 years old, Abdoul Aziz ranked top in the Diploma of Fundamental Studies (DEF) in Timbuktu region in 2024. As a child ambassador, he travels through the neighborhoods of Timbuktu to raise awareness among children and parents about the importance of ensuring that every child starts and/or returns to school. "I urge parents to send their children to school because education is vital for a child's development," states the young ambassador.
In a family residing in the Sans Fil, Hama Bangou Sector, Abdoul Aziz emphasizes the significance of education during his discussions with Mrs. Tinalbaraka. "We are ready to send our children to school, as education represents the future. Wandering in the streets offers nothing beneficial for children," asserts Mrs. Tinalbaraka.
In the same neighborhood, Aboubacrine Dicko, also supports Abdoul Aziz's advocacy. He promises to enroll his children in school and encourages all parents to register their school-aged children.
"As parents, we must motivate our children to attend school and, after classes, encourage them to study rather than watch television." Aboubacrine Dicko further emphasizes that among today's students, some will become tomorrow's leaders and will contribute to a better future.
He promises to adhere to the recommendations given by Abdoul Aziz for the upcoming school year and urges UNICEF to advocate with the Malian authorities for ongoing support to enable all parents to send their children to school without significant obstacles.
According to Mrs. Tinalbaraka, mothers require the support of fathers, as some children are recalcitrant and do not always heed their mothers' guidance. "We must combine our efforts to ensure the children’s education. Fathers also need to support in this educational endeavor," she states.
Abdoul Aziz is based in the Hama Bangou area and emphasizes the importance of considering the future, as education can empower children to manage their households effectively. "This is why I urge parents to enroll their children in school. Timbuktu is the city of knowledge, and there is no reason for children not to attend school." A secondary school student, the high schooler from Timbuktu continues his awareness campaigns, aiming to reach hundreds of parents and children as part of his mission as the ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year.
This year, over four million schoolchildren, including 1.8 million girls, returned to school on 4th of November for the 2024/2025 academic year in Mali. This return occurs within a context of a prolonged crisis characterized by population displacements, attacks on education, and an increase in school closures due to insecurity. Additionally, heavy rainfall has led to flooding and damages in several regions of the country, often turning schools into shelters for affected populations. As a result, the school year was postponed from 1 October to 4 November.
The education of both boys and girls in Mali is hindered by social norms, household poverty, a lack of infrastructure and teachers, compounded by school closures due to insecurity and the effects of climate change, including extreme heat and flooding during the rainy season.
In response to these challenges, UNICEF, using thematic education funds, and the Ministry of National Education, have mobilized over 3,500 child/youth ambassadors, exemplary children, adolescents and youth, such as Abdoul Aziz, to promote education such as Abdoul Aziz. These ambassadors are conducting door-to-door campaigns across all regions to raise awareness among children about the importance of education and to remind parents that school is the safest place for a child, and a guaranteed right for every child.
"Timbuktu is the city of knowledge, and there is no reason for children not to attend school."
Given this impetus in awareness raising among children and parents, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Timbuktu educational authorities (including the Academy of Education, the Pedagogical Animation Center, and the School Management Committees), distributed over 15,000 school kits to pupils for the 2024/2025 school year. This initiative has brought relief to Mahamadou Moufouliha, the Director of the Pedagogical Animation Center in Timbuktu. He asserts that all necessary measures have been implemented to ensure a successful school year in Timbuktu, thanks to the support of technical and financial partners such as UNICEF.
"When we identified issues with classroom space particularly with the impact of flooding, UNICEF promptly responded by providing temporary shelters and tents to serve as Temporary Learning Spaces. In addition to these facilities, UNICEF has supplied school kits to ease the burden on parents for purchasing school supplies," the Director expresses rejoiced with satisfaction.
