Mali -
a student’s perspective
Anne Stockdale
Mali
Timbouctou
Bamako
Nana Kenieba
Mat E / ME 389x: Applied Methods in Sustainable Engineering and International Development is a study
abroad opportunity co-taught by the Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
departments of Iowa State University. “The program involves a three-week stay in Nana-Kenieba, a village in
the West African country of Mali. The course structure is project based where students work with the local
population to develop engineering solutions to satisfy basic human needs such as cooking, heating,
sanitation, etc. in an environment where much of the infrastructure we take for granted (e.g. power, clean
water, road network) is lacking. The goal is to get students to think in terms of developing appropriate
technology in constrained environments, while at the same time making a difference in the lives of rural
Malians.” [1]
Initial Impressions
Upon arrival to the village, one cannot help but notice all the children. Although the village
has approximately 800 people, nearly half are under the age of 16. Because there are so
many children, school is attended in shifts. Elementary and junior high school is taught within
the village. However, the nearest high schools, trade schools, and universities are located in
Bamako.
Village Impact
Over the course of three weeks, we worked on two major
projects – improving cook stoves and implementing lighting
systems. By the end of the trip, we had built a more
efficient and safer stove out of materials readily available
within the village.
Daily Tasks
The first two weeks of the program were spent with villagers, learning about their daily tasks and
routines. Female students spent most of the time shadowing the women of the village and learning
their cooking methods.
One area our program hopes to improve life in Nana Kenieba is the quality, efficiency, and safety of
their stoves. A majority of the women’s time is spent cooking and preparing water for bathing—
improving the efficiency of their stove would greatly reduce time spent gathering wood, boiling
water, and preparing food. The safety of the stoves is also a major concern as many girls often help
their mothers prepare meals.
Two languages are spoken within
the village— French and Bambara.
Although school is taught in
French—which is also the official
language of Mali—many older
villagers speak Bambara.
Bambara is not a written
language, making it tough to
learn. However, the children were
quick to help teach some of their
daily vocabulary.
The villagers also had an impact on each student. Many are
currently involved with other appropriate technology and
public health projects due to their experiences in Mali.
Women’s daily routine
5am to 6am – Rise and prepare water for bathing
6am to 8am – prepare breakfast for the family
8am to 12pm – garden, gather wood, and prepare
lunch
Special Thanks
12pm to 4pm – plant, weed, and water the fields
4pm to 6pm – prepare supper
6pm to 10pm – clean hut and wash belongings,
“Mali” is Bambara for hippopotamus.
Future plans are in place to implement over 20 stoves in the
coming trips. Not only did we have a technological impact on
the village, we also impacted many lives. One woman in
particular told us she was “so happy educated women came
to her village. Now her daughters have a role model for
continuing their education.”
I would personally like to thank Dr. Mark Bryden, Dr. Kris Bryden, and Dr. Richard LeSar for
their hard work and dedication in making this class possible. Many of the lessons learned in
Mali could never be taught in a classroom – and I have them to thank for the experience.
prepare grain and other goods for market
References
10pm to 11pm — prepare children for bed, sleep
[1] "Study Abroad." Materials Science and Engineering. 12 Apr. 2009 <http://www.mse.iastate.edu/academics/study-abroad.html>.
[2] All pictures courtesy of Dr. Richard LeSar.