Settling in

We've had really excellent help getting the Unit organized. Pictured here, from left to right are Kathleen, Mme. Esther KONE, Papou TAMBOURA and Dibinga KASHALE. They are involved in preparing a salad for our first meal with the students after their delayed arrival in Bamako.

Mme. KONE is a Malian who has lived in Abidjan for the past ten years where she hosted a number of Goshen College students while in Cote d'Ivoire on SST. When she learned that the program was coming to Mali she sought us out in Bamako and offered her assistance! She has become a valuable member of our team. Papou TAMBOURA is the guardian at our home and has become a good friend of the students. He is originally from Segu, but has lived and worked in Bamako for the past few years. Dibinga KASALE has served as Ivorian Co-ordinator for past SST units and it was with his help that this year's unit has made a successful transition to Mali.

Another key person has been Yacouba DEMBELE, pictured here with Kathleen and his wife Rachel at their home where we were invited to dinner soon after our arrival. Yacouba is the Malian Co-ordinator for this year's Study Service Term. In addition to his responsibilities for Goshen College, Yacouba works for World Vision in Mali. He has assisted us with family placements for students and with service assignments.

Malians are known for their exceptional hospitality. Yacouba explained to us, "A stranger is someone very important. If you let them in your house you have a moral obligation to care for them. They have entrusted their well-being to you. This is a part of our culture."

We hold classes at a building called the Palais de la Culture which is the artistic hub of the city, and the country. During the first week we discovered the Malian National Ballet is in residence as well as the Malian National Orchestra. Both groups use traditional instruments and the ballet choreographs traditional dances in traditional costume. Needless to say this is a real thrill for us and the students.

There are ten different ethnic groups in Mali. A wonderful aspect of the Malian culture we have learned about is "cousinage" whereby different groups entered into informal non-agression pacts centuries ago, which are still respected. We have also been impressed with the way Christians and Muslims live side by side with almost no friction--this could be a real lesson for other parts of the world!

We hope to take an extended trip with the students to some of the historically and culturally significant locations in Mali. Ths will likely happen from 22 May-02 June. We will travel by bus to Mopti, a traditional trading center. From Mopti we will likely make several excursions: one to Djenne where there is a famous mosque, one to the region of the country where the Dogon people live (who remain animist despite Muslim, Christian and modern influences), and one to Tombouctou. Upon our return students will have three more weeks of classes and then go to work/observe in Area Development sites run by World Vision in the small towns of San and Bla for the last four weeks. Among the programs WV runs are literacy programs for children and adults, educational programs for mothers and children, a soap making program, bee-keeping, agriculture and many more.

Kathleen planning the voyage to Tombouctou with Idbely ag SABBO (center) and Mohammed Aboubacrine ag Mohammed IMITTA. These gentlemen showed up at our door as emissaries from a previously made acquaintance, Mohammed ag Mohammed. When asked if they had known one another prior to making this visit, Mohammed Aboubacrine laughed and replied: On est de la meme famille! C'est juste la couleur de la peau qui est differente. On est de la meme famille. Ce que je suis, il l'est. Ce qu'il est, je le suis." ("We are of the same family; it is only the color of the skin which differs. We are of the same family. That which I am, he is. That which he is, I am.")