EMPOWER: Learning, Healing and Leading Through Play in Mali
In Mali, conflict and displacement have disrupted education for thousands of children—especially in Gao, Mopti, and Bandiagara. Many face barriers such as poverty, lack of documentation, and gender inequality, while children with disabilities often experience additional exclusion.
The EMPOWER project is helping children overcome these barriers and return to learning. Since 2022, the project has worked alongside communities, schools, and local authorities to create safe, inclusive environments where children can learn, heal, and thrive.
Our Impact
Reaching Children
Supported 57,516 children, including 68% girls
Building Local Power
Strengthened 10 community-based organizations
Unlocking Access
Helped 3,600+ children secure birth certificates, enabling them to enroll in school
The project is also driving measurable improvements in learning and teaching:
- Reading proficiency more than doubled, from 13% at baseline to 31% at midline.
- The proportion of children unable to read dropped sharply from 71% to 17%.
- 2,500+ children enrolled, exceeding targets for internally displaced children
- 85% of educators report improved teaching practices due to EMPOWER
These results show that play-based, inclusive education can deliver impact—even in crisis and displacement contexts.
What EMPOWER Does
Through Temporary Learning Centres, schools, and community-based approaches, we help children:
- Catch up and read with confidence through play-based literacy approaches
- Build life skills and emotional well-being through structured play
- Overcome barriers to school enrolment, including lack of documentation
- Access inclusive learning environments tailored for girls and children with disabilities
By working with community-based organizations (CBOs) and education authorities, EMPOWER strengthens local systems and leadership so impact continues beyond the life of the project
Where We Work In Mali
EMPOWER operates across Mopti and Gao, including the Bandiagara area, reaching communities heavily affected by insecurity and displacement.
How We Work
Displacement interrupts learning and erodes confidence. EMPOWER uses play-based teaching in learning centres and reading clubs to help children rebuild foundational literacy skills—while restoring motivation to learn.
Watch the video below featuring our team member explaining how we’re improving literacy in displacement contexts through EMPOWER.
Displacement affects children emotionally and socially. Through structured play, children rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in safe environments.
See how we use play to deliver psychosocial support to children affected by displacement.
EMPOWER works hand-in-hand with community-based organizations (CBOs), local education authorities, and municipal leaders to ensure sustainable impact. By building local capacity, the project strengthens systems that continue beyond funding cycles.
See how we work with CBOs in Mali to remove barriers to education and protect children affected by displacement.
Removing Barriers To Education
Without official documentation, many displaced children cannot enroll in school. With support from EMPOWER, children receive the documentation they need to enrol in school.
EMPOWER has already supported 3,668 children to obtain birth certificates, unlocking access to education and essential services.
Stories Of Change
Meet the teachers, coaches, and community leaders who are transforming children's education through play. These stories show how play-based learning is helping young people gain confidence, knowledge, and life skills that last.
As the president of a community-based organization in Mali, Aminata is working to improve host-community and internally displaced children’s access to quality, gender-responsive education
The EMPOWER project is made possible with the support of the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada. EMPOWER advances gender equality, inclusive education, and localization in line with Canada’s priorities.
