On January 7, 2026, Amadou Sy Savane, Mali's Minister of National
Education, met with Lee-Anne Herman, the Canadian Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires,
in Bamako to discuss the deteriorating effects of conflict on the nation's
educational system Urgent Education Crisis . The main topic of conversation was the increasing demand
for education in emergencies, given that hundreds of thousands of children in
central and northern Mali continue to experience disruptions in their schooling
due to violence and insecurity.
More than 2,000 schools are still closed as a result of ongoing threats and
direct attacks, according to fresh statistics released by officials. Because of
this, some 610,000 children are being denied access to formal education, making
education in emergencies both a humanitarian requirement and a policy goal.
The meeting demonstrated the breadth of Mali-Canada cooperation over the
course of more than 20 years. Canada has contributed more than 1.8 billion
Canadian dollars to Mali's development in the areas of education, government,
and health since the early 2000s. Despite Canada's decision to halt direct
budget support to the Malian government due to political unrest, both parties
reiterated their shared commitment to safeguarding children's education in
times of crisis.
Canada is currently directing its aid through non-governmental organizations
and multilateral institutions rather than the conventional
government-to-government conduit. This strategy guarantees that the most
vulnerable groups receive education in emergency programs without being
hampered by political or administrative restrictions.
Canadian education support in Mali is currently concentrated on
education in emergencies, a framework designed for countries affected by
conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. This strategy prioritizes
non-formal education for displaced children, accelerated learning programs for
students who have missed years of schooling, and targeted training for teachers
working in high-risk areas.
Working closely with partners such as UNICEF, Canada is helping to
establish temporary learning spaces that can operate even when traditional
schools are closed. These initiatives are a cornerstone of education in
emergencies, providing safe, flexible environments where children can continue
learning despite instability.
One of the key elements of education in emergencies discussed during the
Bamako meeting was the focus on girls’ education. Conflict and displacement
disproportionately affect girls, who are more likely to drop out of school due
to safety risks, early marriage, or domestic responsibilities. Canada’s support
includes dedicated programs to keep girls engaged in learning, even when they
cannot attend regular schools.
Displaced children are another priority group within education in
emergencies. Many families have fled violence, leaving behind not only their
homes but also access to schooling. Catch-up classes and mobile education units
are helping these children reintegrate into the education system whenever
conditions allow.
Bypassing Barriers to Keep Learning Alive
Because Mali’s security situation limits the reach of central government
institutions, education in emergencies programs rely heavily on international
agencies and local NGOs. This model allows resources to flow directly to
schools, learning centers, and teachers on the ground, reducing the risk of
disruption.
Minister Sy Savane and Ms. Herman emphasized that this approach is
essential for sustaining education in emergencies at a time when traditional
schooling is simply not possible in many areas. The goal is not only to keep
children learning today but also to prevent a “lost generation” tomorrow.
The two sides concluded their talks by agreeing to strengthen
coordination mechanisms that monitor how education in emergencies initiatives
are being implemented. These systems help track displaced students, assess
learning gaps, and plan for the eventual reopening of formal schools.
They also discussed the role of distance learning and digital tools
within education in emergencies, particularly in regions where physical
classrooms remain unsafe. By expanding access to radio-based lessons, offline
digital content, and community tutors, Mali and its partners hope to provide
continuity of learning even under the most difficult conditions.
Urgent Education Crisis in Emergencies as a Lifeline
As Mali continues to face population displacement and uneven access to
resources, education in emergencies has become a lifeline for the country’s
children. The Bamako meeting sent a clear message that, despite political and
security challenges, Mali and Canada remain united in their determination to
protect the right to education.
For hundreds of thousands of Malian children, the success of education
in emergencies will determine not only whether they can keep learning today,
but also whether they can build a more stable and prosperous future when peace
eventually returns.
Also Read ;- Education Excellence Magazine for more information