Sponsor's update from Mopti, Mali

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Mopti, Mali from Winter 2008.

To start with, I would like, at the beginning of this report, to thank you for everything you are doing for the SOS Children to help them be happy and enjoy life.

During the year 2008, no serious matter related to the behaviour among the group happened. Activities were normal in all areas.

The village grew bigger with two new families and new children thus, increasing the number of families to fourteen (14) and the number of Children to A HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE (133) including 68 boys and 65 girls. All the new children and their mothers have wonderfully adapted and integrated into the village community.

By and large, results were good. The Primary School Leaving Certificate (CPE) gave a percentage of 16.66% or One (01) candidate out of six (6) passed. For the Junior High School Leaving Certificate (DEF) Twenty One (21) out of twenty three (23) passed, that is a rate of 91.10%. I believe that with the opening of the new SOS School in 2008-2009, results will be even more promising. Also, in this structure outside the academic courses, children will be trained in various crafts in a workshop specifically installed for this purpose. There, children will practice dress making, painting, drawing, carving, chairs weaving, and mud dyeing called "bogolan", indigo dying ...

Growing up at Mopti, Mali

Concerning health, malaria was the most common disease among children and adults. As prevention, children were distributed insecticide impregnated mosquito nets. The two disabled children will attend the 1st grade of the SOS basic school this year. They will also keep on with their rehabilitation in a specialised centre for mentally disabled. Concerning their family care, we’re planning to initiate their mothers in community-based rehabilitation.

In 2008, the village has experienced many happy events including:

- Village growth with two new families F13 and F14

- Welcoming new Children,

- The arrival of the “Enchanted Villages’" delegation to show children widescreen films.

- Visit to the SOS School by the Minister of Basic School.

- Visit of the Minister for Women, Children and Family Promotion.

- The full rehabilitation of twelve (12) old families;

- Opening of the SOS School of Socoura

- Appointment of a new Director / Father.

On behalf of all the SOS Children and their Mothers who love you very much, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and wish you good health and prosperity.

Yours sincerely

Bamako, October 6, 2008

THE DIRECTOR / FATHER
YAYA SYLLA