Working for UNICEF changed my life in many ways. It gave me opportunities that I never thought I would get, including to contribute to the improvement of the world’s children in ways that I had never envisioned. It also gave me the opportunity to travel to a large number of countries. I saw a lot of positive developments, but I also witnessed terrible situations for children. During my nineteen-plus years with UNICEF, I traveled to around 120 countries, many of them a number of times.
I will share some memories from an early travel to Africa which took me to Mali in 1987. Mali was at that time recovering from an emergency situation caused by a long drought and had one of the highest child mortality rates in the world. After having spent one night in the capital Bamako, I went to Timbuktu. For me, Timbuktu had always been something mythical and a very far away place.
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From the material I had received, I learned that Timbuktu had become a permanent settlement in the twelfth century and had flourished from trade. It was also known for an important Islamic university which attracted many scholars throughout the Islamic world and was a center in Africa. Different tribes had governed Timbuktu until 1893 when it was formally incorporated into the French colony of Mali. In 1960 it became a part of the Republic of Mali when the country achieved its independence.
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| Minaret of the Sankore Mosque |
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| Market in Timbuktu |
When I visited Timbuktu, poverty was rampant and children’s health and education were woefully inadequate. Only 35 percent of boys and 16 percent of girls enrolled in primary school, and of those who enrolled only 60 percent finished. I met a number of mothers who had all the same aspirations for their children as mothers and fathers have all over the world; they wanted their children to grow up healthy and strong and do better than their parents.
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Pumping water to fill jugs outside the city
While French was and is the official language of Mali, the majority of the population spoke a local language, which some mixed with Arabic and some with French. I saw a teacher sitting with children under a tree and writing in French in beautiful cursive on the blackboard. The teacher was having the children repeat the words and write them on a piece of paper. I wondered whether this was the most effective way to improve the children’s education. |
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Children in Timbuktu
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| Children playing |
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Out and about
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Cuddle time
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While this trip took place more than 36 years ago, it is etched in my memory as one of the very interesting visits I had to Africa.
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ReplyDeleteEnjoyed very much reading your short memoirs from your trip to Mali as well as the attractive photos. I envy you because although I was involved with Africa for more than five years and headed the "Bamako Initiative" unit at HQ, I regret that I was never able to visit the country itself. Quite ironic, dont you think ?
All the best.
Thank you for the memories of Timbuktu, Karin. Yes, Fouad, it is ironic indeed that you headed the Bamako Initiativebuet did not visit the country. It was my first mission in 1989 or so. I visited Mopti, where the Bani and Niger River’s meet. I was told by UNICEF security I could go for a morning run, and provided a route that took me past the local prison, where men were already outside in the cool of the day. It is hard to describe but was one of the few times throughout 20+ years that I felt afraid. I turned around and headed back to the B&B. Despite the conflicted feeling of fear with the knowledge of my privilege, I have always been enamoured of Mali. The people deserve better than what they have. Thanks for the memories, Karin.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dear Karen for the "glimpse" of your memories. I am glad you chose Mali, specially the historic and beautiful Timbuktu, as it is obvious from the pictures you shared. Before the Bamako Initiative I often wondered about the mysterious Timbuktu. I wasn't fortunate enough to travel to Mali. My travels only took me to N. Africa, (Egypt), E. Africa (Kenya) and South Africa. Unfortunately West Africa (Mali) wasn't in my bucket, until now reading your "glimpse" educated me and specially your awesome pictures. Thank you for sharing your memories. It is never too late to get educated. With my gratitude and respects. Stay well, happy and healthy. All the best! Gulbadan
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