Despite the fact that Mali is one of Africa's model democracies the nation faces many tragic problems: it is one of the poorest countries in the world, average life expectancy is less than fifty years (WHO) and 76 percent of the population is illiterate (UNDP).

One of the reasons for these problems is Mali's geographical position. In the face of repeated droughts and related starvation, long-term investment, for example in education might appear to be a luxury. But the country will only break out of the vicious circle it finds itself in there is investment in long-term projects.

After hearing reports from a Knorr-Bremse staff member who has been involved in local aid projects, members of Knorr-Bremse Global Care have decided to build and completely equip a new building with three classrooms next to an existing primary school in the N'Tjiba region. The aim is to increase the proportion of children being sent to school, which currently stands at 5 per cent. 22 per cent of the initial expenditure and the day-to-day running costs will be paid by the local community and the state; Knorr-Bremse Global Care e. V. covered the rest of the cost of building and equipping the school.

(from left) Ms. Schäfer from Knorr-Bremse Global Care e.V., the school principal Mr. Courlibaly with signboard, Mayor Naouhaoun.

The village eldest.