A volunteer-run, non-profit organization, since 2005 we have built over 30 schools in deserving communities in Mali, West Africa. Explore our website to learn more about the schools and how you can help us build more!
Thank you to the handful of donors who have given $900 in the last week. That puts us closer to our goal. We need another $1,600 to be able to pay the metalworkers who build the roof and affix the windows and doors, and for the skilled laborers who do all the painting and finishing.
Our volunteer in Mali, Abou, tells us that he has never seen a village that is so motivated to build a school. The village chief visits the site almost every day to check on the progress. We would love to finish this project before the first day of school, on October 1.
Please consider making a donation, large or small. Thank you!
In the village of Koro N’Tossoni, Mali, children are waiting for their new school to be completed. We broke ground two weeks ago, and construction is proceeding well. Unfortunately, due to inflation and exchange rates, we need to raise another $2,500 to complete the construction before the school year starts in October.
The fact that costs went up so fast caught us by surprise. In March 2025, we built a new primary school in Tionso for $21,000. Now, in August 2025, the cost is now $25,136. One reason is inflation, The cost of building materials has gone up, particularly for cement and steel. Another reason is exchange rates. Six months ago, we got 620 West African francs to the dollar, and now we are getting around 540 F.
At the beginning of August, we disbursed $22,700 to purchase materials and pay for transportation and for skilled laborers. The community has already mobilized to collect sand, gravel, and stones. Dozens of young people who have showed up to help transport supplies, build the foundation, and mix concrete. Our volunteers say this is one of the most motivated villages they have ever seen.
If you have ever considered making a donation, now is the perfect time! Click here to donate online, or visit our Contribute page for our address if you prefer to send a check.
All the funds will go towards transportation of materials to the village and to paying the masons, metalworkers, and painters.
On behalf of all of us at Build a School in Africa, thank you!
