Aid from Villefranche-de-Rouergue continues to reach Mali despite challenges

The 16th general assembly of the Association supporting the village of Forgho in northern Mali was held recently.

At the opening, president Marie-Jo Mennelet emotionally shared worrying news from Mali: “I do not have very good news from the country, which is experiencing even harder days than before.” Jihadist attacks, shortages, water and electricity outages, rising prices, and extreme heat are making daily life particularly difficult for the population.

Despite this difficult context, the association maintains a strong link with its friends in Forgho and Bamako and continues, as much as possible, to respond to their needs with loyalty and solidarity. In her moral report, Marie-Jo Mennelet stressed that schools in Forgho and Kotchekaraï remain open, unlike many institutions in the north and centre of the country. Although no new sponsorships were taken on this year, ongoing sponsorships continue thanks to the generosity of members and donors.

The aid provided has funded school supplies for the start of the academic year, the canteen, DEF exams, as well as medicines, seeds, and various work at schools and in the villages.

Although few events could be organised by the association this year, it did benefit from donations collected during concerts and theatre performances.

The financial report remains positive, with income mainly from donations, memberships and sponsorships. Expenditure was prioritised towards school aid, medicines, seeds, the Bamako orphanage, and various one-off support for families and teachers.

After the unanimous adoption of both reports and the renewal of bureau members, the general assembly ended with the traditional friendly glass and convivial exchanges.