Mali: Community and Schools Mobilise Action in Kalabancoro

As part of the 100 Days of Action to End Child Marriage, Le Relais “Malian Education Association” is leading community and school-based efforts in Zougoumé and Kabala-Est, within the Kalabancoro community in Mali.

Le Relais, established in 1992, works to support children, youth, and adults who are out of school by providing education, literacy, and vocational training. Its work also focuses on supporting girls and women through income-generating opportunities and community engagement. Through this campaign, the organisation is building on its existing work to raise awareness about child marriage and mobilise local action.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

The campaign began with the development of awareness materials, including T-shirts, caps, posters, and banners to support outreach activities.

Discussions were held with local political leaders, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, as well as with the president of a women’s association in Kalabancoro that reaches over 1,000 members. The women’s group committed to integrating child marriage awareness into its ongoing community activities, helping extend the campaign’s reach to families and households.

Reaching Schools and Young People

The initiative has reached 14 middle schools, 6 high schools, and 20 female teachers. Through these efforts, the campaign has engaged more than 20,000 students and teachers, creating opportunities for discussions on child marriage and its impact on education and future opportunities.

In addition to school-based outreach, community-level engagement continues through meetings and awareness activities led by the Committee Against Child Marriage. These efforts include ongoing dialogue within the community and collaboration with local groups to sustain awareness.

Continuing Community Action

The campaign continues to expand through word-of-mouth and community networks, with local leaders and organisations supporting outreach efforts. The Committee Against Child Marriage in Mali is working to reach more children, families, and community members in the coming weeks.

While demand for awareness materials remains high, local partners continue to adapt and use available resources to ensure that messages on preventing child marriage reach as many people as possible.

Through collaboration with schools, women’s groups, and community leaders, these efforts are contributing to ongoing action toward a Child Marriage Free Mali.