Villefranche-de-Rouergue association continues sending aid to Mali despite hardships

The 16th general assembly of the Association supporting the village of Forgho in northern Mali took place recently.

At the start of the meeting, president Marie-Jo Mennelet shared concerning news from Mali with evident emotion: “I do not have very good news from the country, which is going through even more difficult days than before.” Jihadist attacks, shortages, water and electricity cuts, rising prices, and intense heat are making daily life extremely trying for local populations.

Despite this challenging context, the association maintains a strong bond with its friends in Forgho and Bamako and continues, as much as possible, to respond to their needs with loyalty and solidarity. In her moral report, Marie-Jo Mennelet stressed that the schools in Forgho and Kotchekaraï remain open, unlike many institutions in northern and central Mali. Although no new sponsorships were launched this year, ongoing sponsorships continue thanks to the generosity of members and donors.

The aid provided has funded school supplies for the new term, the school canteen, DEF exams, as well as medicines, seeds, and various works in schools and villages.

While the association could organise few events this year, it still benefited from donations collected during concerts and theatrical performances.

The financial report remains positive, with income coming mainly from donations, membership fees, and sponsorships. Expenditure was prioritised for school aid, medicines, seeds, the Bamako orphanage, and various one-off support for families and teachers.

After unanimous adoption of both reports and renewal of board members, the general assembly ended with the traditional friendly drink and convivial exchanges.