In 2016, Viaduct Foundation built upon our 2015 gift to the “Help Build a School in Mali” initiative by contributing to Plan Canada’s “Accelerated Learning in Mali” project. This initiative was designed to address one of the most urgent challenges in advancing education in developing countries: helping children who have missed years of schooling catch up and reintegrate into the education system.
Addressing Educational Gaps in Mali
In Mali, many children face barriers that prevent them from attending school regularly. Poverty, conflict, and limited infrastructure can interrupt or completely halt a child’s education. As a result, thousands of children fall behind their peers or never enter the classroom at all.
The “Accelerated Learning in Mali” program offers a second chance. It provides condensed, high-quality education that enables out-of-school children—often girls and frequently older than typical primary school students—to quickly gain foundational literacy and numeracy skills. This approach helps bridge the gap and prepares them to transition into formal schooling or vocational opportunities.
Salimata, pictured above, is just one example of a girl in Mali who was able to re-enter the education system . Her entire family was displaced by civil warfare, but after resettling she is in school again, although at age 12 she was just in Year 3 of primary education.
What Is Accelerated Learning?
Accelerated learning programs are specifically designed for children and youth who have missed part or all of their early education. Rather than placing them in classes with much younger students, these programs:
- Deliver a streamlined curriculum focused on core subjects
- Use age-appropriate teaching methods
- Create supportive environments that respect the learners’ experiences
By compressing several years of schooling into a shorter timeframe, students can regain confidence and continue their education on a more typical path.
A Holistic Approach to Education
One of the strengths of Plan Canada’s work is its comprehensive approach. The “Accelerated Learning in Mali” initiative doesn’t just focus on students—it also invests in the broader education ecosystem.
Key components of the program include:
- Teacher training: Educators receive specialized instruction to effectively deliver accelerated curricula
- Community engagement: Families and local leaders are encouraged to support children’s return to school
- Safe learning spaces: Classrooms are designed to be inclusive, secure, and accessible
This holistic model ensures that progress is sustainable and that communities are actively involved in supporting education.
Empowering Children and Communities
The impact of accelerated learning extends far beyond the classroom. When children, especially girls, gain access to education, they are more likely to:
- Improve their future employment opportunities
- Contribute to local economic development
- Make informed decisions about health and well-being
For communities in Mali, these outcomes can be transformative. Education helps break cycles of poverty and builds a stronger foundation for long-term stability.
Why This Contribution Matters
Viaduct Foundation’s 2016 gift represents a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change through education. By supporting innovative programs like “Accelerated Learning in Mali,” the foundation helped provide opportunities for children who might otherwise have been left behind.
Investing in education is one of the most effective ways to create a better future in developing nations. Programs that focus on inclusion—especially for girls who are among the most vulnerable and and who are more likely to be out-of-school—are essential to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Read more about the Accelerated Learning in Mali initiative at Plan Canada