Appui aux Elèves élites
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Registered association · Bamako, Mali · since 2019

Fostering excellence at school.

The Association for the Support of Elite Students encourages and supports Malian pupils who stand out through their hard work, so that talent never stops for lack of means.

Support us Our programmes
A smiling schoolgirl at her desk with an open book in front of her, among her classmates.
A reading class at a school in Bamako.

01About

Who we are

The Association pour l'Appui aux Elèves élites (Association for the Support of Elite Students) is a Malian non-profit association, registered in Bamako in May 2019. It is chaired by Mr Mahamadou Moussa COULIBALY, a lawyer.

It starts from a simple belief: in Mali, many bright pupils risk dropping out along the way for lack of books, support or money. Finding these pupils, encouraging them and standing by them is an investment in the whole country's future.

“To foster excellence in schools.”

Aim of the association, from the registration receipt (see statutes). French original: « cultiver l'excellence dans le milieu scolaire ».

02What guides us

Vision

A Mali where every deserving pupil can reach their full potential, whatever their family's circumstances.

Mission

To find, encourage and support the pupils who excel, and to inspire every other pupil to aim higher.

Values

Merit, hard work, fairness and integrity, shared by pupils, families and teachers alike.

03Our programmes

What we want to build

Six areas of action to support deserving pupils, from primary school to the end of secondary school.

  1. Recognising excellence

    Prizes and awards for the best pupils, presented in front of their families and classmates, so that merit sets the example.

  2. Tutoring

    Extra lessons and exam preparation, especially for the DEF and the baccalauréat, with volunteer teachers and university students.

  3. Supplies and scholarships

    School kits and help with school fees for deserving pupils whose families lack the means.

  4. Reading and books

    Building a love of reading and access to books, with reading corners and book donations to schools.

  5. Guidance and mentoring

    Meetings with university students and professionals to help each pupil choose their path and prepare for higher education.

  6. Girls of excellence

    Encouraging bright girls to continue their schooling and supporting their families so they stay in school.

04Our approach

Find, support, reward

We work hand in hand with schools, teachers and families.

  1. Finding talent

    With head teachers and teachers, based on results, attendance and motivation.

  2. Listening to families

    Understanding each pupil's situation to offer the most useful help.

  3. Support all year round

    Tutoring, supplies, reading and mentoring, with personal follow-up.

  4. Rewarding merit

    Awards that value effort and create healthy emulation in the classroom.

  5. Tracking progress

    Report cards, exam results and pupils' feedback to improve what we do.

  6. Being accountable

    Keeping our members, partners and donors informed of how every contribution is used.

05In pictures

School in Mali

The pupils we want to support: curious, diligent and eager to learn.

  • Two young girls bent over their reading book at their desk.
    Reading class, Bamako
  • A young girl reads “The Little Prince” on an e-reader.
    A love of reading, Bamako
  • Schoolgirls seated at their tables with open books in front of them.
    Schoolgirls in Maréna, Kayes region
  • Children lying on a blue tarpaulin writing on sheets of paper.
    Writing workshop, Koulikoro region
  • A classroom full of 9th-grade pupils concentrating on their work.
    9th-grade class, Djenné
  • Children sitting in a circle on a tarpaulin raise their hands during an outdoor reading session.
    Launch of a community library, Koulikoro region
  • A packed classroom, pupils squeezed together on their benches.
    A classroom in Lany-Tounka

Illustrative photos taken in Mali, under free licences (Wikimedia Commons). Authors are credited at the bottom of the page.

06Help us

Everyone can help a talent grow

A few hours, a few books or a sponsorship can change a pupil's school year.

  • Sponsor a pupil

    Cover a deserving pupil's school supplies or fees for a year.

  • Volunteer

    Teachers, students, professionals: give tutoring sessions or share your journey with pupils.

  • Become a partner

    Schools, companies, foundations and local authorities: let's build lasting programmes together.

  • Donate books

    Textbooks, novels, dictionaries and supplies in good condition will find a home in our partner schools.

07Contact

Write to us.

Parents, teachers, volunteers, partners or donors: we will be glad to answer you and tell you about our work.

Head office
Baco-djicoroni, Rue 574, Porte 116
Bamako, Republic of Mali