Access to college-level education in Mali is extremely limited, especially in underserved areas like Bamako. Talented students face serious challenges: no internet, no electricity, and no financial support. In partnership with the Mali Wellness Foundation, we are helping change that by launching a new learning center dedicated to expanding university access in West Africa.
This center will support students pursuing degrees through BYU-Pathway Worldwide, an accredited, low-cost university program designed for flexible learning. Located on the upper floor of a church building in Bamako, the center will provide a safe, supportive space equipped with laptops, reliable internet, and a dedicated coordinator to guide students through enrollment, academics, and progress tracking.
We are proud to collaborate with the Mali Wellness Foundation, a respected nonprofit with a strong track record in health, education, and self-reliance. Their local leadership ensures transparency and cultural understanding, while we focus on what we do best: removing barriers to education. Together, we are building something sustainable and impactful.
Your donation can support one of two vital needs for this program. You can choose where your impact goes by selecting either option on the donation form:
thanks to legacy donors who cover operating expenses.
Most students in Mali cannot afford the tools required to succeed in college. Your gift helps each student receive:
Launching a successful learning center requires upfront investment in infrastructure. Many communities in Mali lack safe and reliable learning spaces, making it difficult for students to focus on their education. Your gift can help us create classrooms that provide stability, safety, and the tools needed to learn. Each school building project includes:
Total Need
Learning Center Set Up
Scholarship Fund
Operating Expenses
As enrollment grows, the center can expand to serve 100 or even 200 students by scaling infrastructure and staffing while maintaining quality.
* Please note that costs may vary slightly due to exchange rates or supplier price changes.
We do not run schools; we strengthen existing solutions. By working with trusted local organizations, we ensure that donations are used wisely, transparently, and effectively. Our low overhead means more of your gift goes directly to what matters most: students, education, and community growth.
When students gain access to higher education, they gain the skills to lift their families and transform their communities. Many already dream of one day helping others do the same. Your support plants seeds of self-reliance and opportunity for generations to come.
So far, we have provided tuition support for 140 dedicated students, opening doors to education that would otherwise be out of reach. We have also hired a local coordinator who not only oversees each student’s progress but also serves as a tutor and mentor. This on-the-ground support ensures students stay motivated, access their programs, and have the guidance they need to succeed. Every one of these achievements represents a life changed and paves the way to self-reliance.
Student's Tuition
In accordance with IRS guidelines, all gifts are subject to the direction of The Decker Foundation’s Board of Directors to ensure they further our mission. We make every effort to honor donor preferences.
