Back to school postponed in Mali

In Mali, education authorities have postponed the start of the 2024-2025 school year, originally scheduled for October 1, 2024, to November 4, 2024.

This decision follows the devastating floods that have hit the country in recent weeks.

The announcement was made by the Minister of National Education, Amadou Sy Savané, this Monday, September 30, 2024.

In so doing, he referred to the state of natural disaster associated with the heavy rainfall. Schools, frequently destroyed by water, cannot accommodate pupils in optimal safety conditions.

This postponement is designed to protect the health of pupils, who would be exposed to an increased risk of illnesses linked to stagnant water.

It will also enable the authorities to better assess the damage and organize the necessary repairs in the schools.

Unfortunately, Mali is not alone in this situation. Several West African countries, such as Chad, Burkina Faso, Togo, Senegal, Nigeria and Niger, have also been affected by exceptional flooding this year.