Archive · 21 May 2025
USAID Funding Cuts Halt Local Language Literacy in Mali
In Mali, a program called "Shifin ni Tagne," which means "our future," helped about 20,000 young people learn to read and write in their local languages.
The program was supported by $25 million from the U.S. government (USAID).
However, the U.S. cut most of its foreign aid, causing the program to shut down.
This made it harder for people like Aminata, who wanted to become a pastry chef, to achieve their dreams.
The literacy program also taught job skills.
This funding cut has a negative impact on the education, especially as it came during the school year, with the Malian government now struggling to find ways to replace it.
USAID funding cuts led to the shutdown of the "Shifin ni Tagne" literacy program in Mali.
The program aimed to teach 20,000 young Malians to read and write in local languages.
The project provided vocational skills training, supporting job creation and family incomes.
The U.S. aid withdrawal comes after a 2021 coup and the country's shift toward Russia.
The funding cuts negatively affect mother-tongue education in the middle of the school year.
- Who
- Approximately 20,000 young Malians, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Malian government.
- What
- USAID's funding cuts led to the closure of a literacy program in Mali.
- When
- The program was shut down following the funding cuts from the Trump administration.
- Where
- Mali
- Why
- The U.S. government cut most foreign aid.
USAID's Withdrawal
Potential Alternatives
Impact on Education
USAID's Withdrawal
The USAID funding cut negatively impacts mother-tongue education, especially mid-school year.
Potential Alternatives
The withdrawal of U.S. aid may open doors for other donors like Russia, though they may not fill the same role.
- Project Name
- "Shifin ni Tagne"
- Funding Source
- USAID
- Funding Amount
- $25 million
- Beneficiaries
- Approx. 20,000 young Malians
- Primary Focus
- Local language literacy
- Language
- Local languages of Mali
- Vocational Skills
- Hairdressing, carpentry, sewing, welding, pastry-making