Where change begins
Rooted in their history, knowledge and culture, young people in the Sahel region find their own voice and shape their future.
October 1, 2026
Headquarters and the regional branches
From its headquarters in Bamako, the Academy Mali has expanded to eleven branches: Bankass, Bandiagara, Bougouni, Douentza, Macina,…
October 1, 2026
Mobile schools
Through its École itinérante, or ‘travelling school’, V4TA reaches young people in communities from Bougouni to Timbuktu, helping to build local youth networks, strengthen community support, and reinforce existing local youth centres.
October 1, 2026
Power of theatre
What if theatre could open the door to conversations that are otherwise difficult to have? V4TA builds on Mali’s rich traditions of storytelling, poetry and performance, giving young people a space to raise their voices, ask critical questions and spark dialogue across
generations.
October 1, 2026
Themes
Across Mali, young people are exploring the issues that shape their lives and communities. From school dropout and displacement to gender, peacebuilding and cultural traditions such as n’domo, V4TA brings diverse perspectives to the surface. Explore some of the stories and ideas that have emerged over five years.
October 1, 2026
Gold mining
Gold brings money, opportunity and hope, but also carries a hidden cost. Over several years, V4TA has explored the realities of gold mining through research, theatre and film. From the environmental impact of dragage to young people leaving school for the mines, these stories reveal the choices, struggles and consequences behind the gold.
October 1, 2026
6 years V4T Academy Mali – Young people in motion
We look back on six years of remarkable growth and impact. Where young people were initially still searching…
October 1, 2026
Other projects of V4TA Mali
Voice4Thought Academy Mali also contributes to other projects in Mali and across the Sahel region. Activities outside the…
October 1, 2026
Women’s position in public life
The V4TA Mali programme has also placed particular emphasis on women’s inclusion and participation in public life in…
October 1, 2026
A programme for young people, by young people
What happens when young people draw on their own cultural strength to shape the conversation about Mali’s future? Through dance, poetry, music, oral traditions and research, they explore their world, make sense of their experiences and develop new perspectives. In this way, critical thinking becomes the starting point for dialogue – and dialogue the beginning of change.
October 1, 2026