SECURITY CHALLENGES AND ACCESS TO EDUCATION IN CENTRAL MALI: Case of the Mopti Region
DEFIS SECURITAIRES ET ACCES A L'EDUCATION AU CENTRE DU MALI : Cas de la région de Mopti
Résumé
This article explores the security challenges and their impact on educational access in the Mopti region, central Mali, on the eve of the 2023-2024 school year. Despite substantial educational infrastructure, the region faces significant challenges related to security and socio-economic conditions, directly affecting access to education, especially at the primary school level. The study reveals that 25.58% of schools are closed due to insecurity, resource shortages, and health and food-related issues, leading to high rates of absenteeism and school dropout. The study presents specific cases and covers 24 communes across 8 circles in the region. While primary schools are severely affected, secondary institutions seem less impacted thanks to their location and enhanced security measures. The article underscores the urgency to act against the deterioration of educational infrastructure and enrollment disparities, particularly among girls. It concludes on the necessity of a comprehensive strategy to restore security and promote sustainable and inclusive development, thereby ensuring equitable access to education for all children in the region.This article explores the security challenges and their impact on educational access in the Mopti region, central Mali, on the eve of the 2023-2024 school year. Despite substantial educational infrastructure, the region faces significant challenges related to security and socio-economic conditions, directly affecting access to education, especially at the primary school level. The study reveals that 25.58% of schools are closed due to insecurity, resource shortages, and health and food-related issues, leading to high rates of absenteeism and school dropout. The study presents specific cases and covers 24 communes across 8 circles in the region. While primary schools are severely affected, secondary institutions seem less impacted thanks to their location and enhanced security measures. The article underscores the urgency to act against the deterioration of educational infrastructure and enrollment disparities, particularly among girls. It concludes on the necessity of a comprehensive strategy to restore security and promote sustainable and inclusive development, thereby ensuring equitable access to education for all children in the region.
Cet article examine les défis sécuritaires et leur impact sur l'accès à l'éducation dans la région de Mopti, au centre du Mali, juste avant la rentrée scolaire 2023-2024. Malgré une infrastructure éducative substantielle, la région fait face à des défis majeurs liés à la sécurité et aux conditions socio-économiques, influant directement sur l'accès à l'éducation, particulièrement dans les écoles primaires. L'étude révèle que 25,58% des écoles sont fermées à cause de l'insécurité, du manque de ressources, et de problèmes sanitaires et alimentaires, entraînant un haut taux d'absentéisme et de déscolarisation. L'étude présente des cas spécifiques et couvre 24 communes réparties dans 8 cercles de la région. Alors que les écoles fondamentales sont gravement affectées, les établissements secondaires semblent moins impactés grâce à leur emplacement et à une meilleure sécurisation. L’article souligne l’urgence d’agir face à la dégradation des infrastructures éducatives et aux disparités de scolarisation, en particulier parmi les filles. Il conclut sur la nécessité d'une stratégie globale pour rétablir la sécurité et favoriser un développement durable et inclusif, garantissant ainsi un accès équitable à l'éducation pour tous les enfants de la région.