Mali Development Group
Development on a human scale
The Mali Development Group (MDG) raises money to support social, health, economic, and political development in Mali, West Africa. The work is done by Malians for Malians, using methods that involve local people and are rooted in local communities. Our partners work in Bamako, the capital city and in remote rural areas in the South of the country.
We also offer practical and technical support to our partners, using the skills of our members and building on 16 years of developed relationships.
The result is a model of international development that is effective, sustainable, inclusive and egalitarian.
Currently we are supporting:
- A health insurance scheme - allowing some of the poorest people in rural areas to get access to basic health care;
- Women’s savings groups - helping women increase their economic activity, generate their own cash and improve productivity (by funding grain-grinding mills for example);
- Work with street children in Bamako – using Bogolan art to help homeless and displaced children develop their skills and realise their potential.
We think it is important that the wealth of Malian culture is more widely shared in the UK. So we have set up and run the Mali Interest Hub where we celebrate Malian music, provide news and commentary on Malian issues, and a place where people can share information and make contacts.
We are not a large international organisation, but a small and effective voluntary group relying entirely on the skills and commitment of our members. We employ no one and our overheads are extremely small. We believe in close and long lasting partnerships with our Malian colleagues, and the importance of trusting and open relationships.
On this site you can learn more about Mali, our past projects and current priorities, you can see how MDG does its work and how you might contribute. We hope you will want to support us – if you do, then you can make a donation or subscribe to our email list.