The Missala School for Blind Children was inaugurated on 1 October 2017. It is the first private, non-profit primary school in Mali. Blind and sighted children are educated together in an open and friendly environment. Inclusive education “promotes both academic achievement and social integration for students who are blind or low vision” (Diarra & Kawai, in “Evidence-Based Practices for Students with Visual Impairments”). By learning side by side, our children grow in confidence, form meaningful friendships, and develop the skills to participate in society.

Today, the school has eight classrooms and 90 pupils, including 23 who are blind. Each class is led by two teachers — one who is blind and one who is sighted — working together to ensure that every child can thrive. Thanks to a generous donation from a supporter in Paris, we are now offering IT education to enhance learning opportunities.

Many pupils come from disadvantaged backgrounds and distant villages, and we’ve created a small boarding section, offering them a safe and supportive home at the school.