USAID Cuts Leave Malian Youth’s Dreams in Jeopardy
MOUNTOUGOULA, Mali (AP) — The future looks bleak for many young Malians like Aminata Doumbia, 18, who had dreams of becoming a pastry chef through the now-defunct “Shifin ni Tagne” project. This initiative aimed to teach literacy in local languages to around 20,000 youths and was backed by a significant $25 million funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). However, the Trump administration’s drastic cuts of 90% in foreign aid have brought this crucial program to a halt.
Doumbia expressed her sorrow, stating that the joy of being selected for the project has transformed into a sense of despair over losing her opportunity. In a country where nearly 70% of the 22 million populace suffers from illiteracy, the program was one of the few avenues for empowerment and vocational skills acquisition, such as sewing and carpentry.
With the 2021 coup d’état leading to the withdrawal of European support, the USAID funding cut significantly threatens educational programs, especially those emphasizing mother-tongue instruction—now recognized as essential for improving literacy rates. Educators and community leaders, like Amadi Ba from the Pedagogical Animation Center, expressed their dismay, noting the negative ramifications on local education systems.
Local farmers have also reported benefits from the project. Oumou Traoré, a beneficiary, stated her training helped boost her income significantly. “I’ve started selling my onions myself and now earn $95 instead of $60,” she shared.
As Mali’s military government veers toward Russia for support, analysts warn that the gaping void left by USAID may prove insurmountable, jeopardizing the future of education in the region.
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