Malian Minister of National Education, Amadou Sy Savane, held a high-level meeting with Lee-Anne Herman, the Canadian Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, in Bamako on January 7, 2026.
The discussions focused on the urgent need to maintain educational cooperation as Mali grapples with an escalating security crisis that has paralyzed the national school system. Current data from the Education Cluster indicates that over 2,000 schools remain non-functional due to persistent violence and direct threats, leaving approximately 610,000 children—mostly in the central and northern regions—without access to formal learning.
The meeting underscores a complex but enduring partnership between the two nations. Since the early 2000s, Canada has invested over 1.8 billion Canadian dollars in Mali’s development, spanning the sectors of health, governance, and education. While the current political climate has led Canada to suspend direct budget support to the Malian government, both parties emphasized that social sector commitments remain a priority. Instead of direct funding, Canada is channeling its resources through multilateral partners and non-governmental organizations to ensure that essential services reach the most vulnerable populations.
In the education sector, Canadian support is currently concentrated on “education in emergencies.” This strategy prioritizes non-formal education for displaced children, specialized teacher training, and dedicated programs for girls’ education. By collaborating with international agencies such as UNICEF, Canada is helping to establish temporary learning spaces and catch-up programs in high-risk areas. These mechanisms are designed to bypass central financial channels while maintaining a minimal level of schooling for children affected by conflict and displacement.
Minister Sy Savane and Ms. Herman concluded the session by reaffirming the importance of ongoing coordination. With the Malian school system facing the combined pressures of population displacement and unequal access to resources, the government and its international partners agree that a unified approach is the only way to mitigate the long-term impact of the crisis on the next generation. This framework for monitoring cooperation serves as a vital link for reintegrating students and providing distance learning tools whenever security conditions allow.
MD/Sf/fss/abj/APA