We're Back!

Hello Wonderful NEP Supporters!

It has been a long time since our last blog entry, but while our blog writers have been quiet, the work in Niamakoro has been anything but. We are celebrating the relaunch of our blog with three (and a half) BIG pieces of NEP news from the year we’ve missed.

1. Ninth graders show AMAZING results on the DEF.

Remember these guys?

Three of our 9th grade girls studying French grammar

In June of 2012, our first class of 9th graders took the critical DEF exam, which decides their academic futures. The pass rate at our two schools rose from 20% in 2011 (before the NEP arrived) to 67%, by far the highest of any school in Niamakoro. We are extremely proud of their hard work, and look forward to seeing where high school takes them. Our second class of 9th graders took the DEF 3 weeks ago. Their NEP teachers, Robert and Fidel, report that they were well prepared and the subjects were “theirs for the taking.” We can’t wait to hear their results!

2. The library provides a calm place in turbulent times.

Soldiers massing at ORTM, Malian state media, during the coup in March, 2012

Student artists at work with Baissou

As many of you know, this last year and half has not been a peaceful one for Mali. We’ll be providing more information here and on Facebook, but for now we want to shine a light on the hard work of NEP employees to help our students and our community during the coup and subsequent unrest. Though school was closed for several weeks, our students approached NEP staff and asked for the library to be opened. We thank our staff for providing children in Niamakoro with a place to learn and read and a sense of normalcy in highly unusual times. Academically and socially this was an invaluable service.

3. Learning is FUN in Niamakoro.

Robert works with kindergarteners building paper airplanes

One of the best things about our time since leaving Mali has been receiving bi-weekly updates from our staff in Niamakoro. Since I have become a public school teacher here in the States, we have had a great time sharing stories and strategies. Though Robert often complains that the younger children “treat him like their grandfather,” it is clear that he is doing a remarkable job of broadening their horizons with new kinds of learning. This is what the NEP is all about and we are thrilled!

3.5 I did say three and a half things. That’s because we have a couple of very exciting NEW programs, designed by our Malian staff that will be coming online very soon. Keep your eyes open for details!

We need your help to sustain our success, click here to see what you can do!