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January 2010
I am very happy to make your acquaintance. I am the new Parish Priest at Pel and I wish you a good and happy New Year for 2010, lots of peace, joy, good health, prosperity and long life. I saw the information about the well that you financed at Koro and now the well is finished and I shall send you the reports with photos to support them. Through me, the children of the kindergarten, their teachers and their parents thank you and may the Almighty repay you a hundred times over for your kind deeds. We always trust in you and I continue to pray for you. Once again, thank you very much, we will be in touch again soon.
Father Léon Douyon, Pel Catholic Mission
December 09
The Burley-Téréli 2010 Calendar has sold well. A copy of the calendar can be seen in Burley Library.
November 09
Members of ‘Coup de Pouce‘, the charity from Le Havre that we work with, travelled to Bamako at the end of October. With Zakari they were able to buy the books for Téréli Secondary School with the money we sent. They hired a vehicle and transported all the books to the school. Watch the video of books being delivered. The first part is in French but Zakari speaks in English towards the end.Téréli Secondary School
October 09
£500 has been sent for seeds and tools for the garden project at Téréli Secondary School. In addition £1,000 has been sent so the first installment of books can be sent to Téréli Secondary School for the start of the academic year.
September 09
We have received details of books needed for the Téréli Secondary School as well as information about the school garden project and the costs involved.
August 09
A film was shown at the ‘Burley Summer Festival‘ part of which was filmed in Téréli and which featured Zakari's brother Atimé. There were displays showing the many artefacts and gifts we have received from the Dogon.
July 09
The doctors who were travelling overland have arrived safely in Bamako and met up with Zakari. Great news from Téréli - students in Year 9 have all been successful in the national examination DEF( diplome d‘études fondamentales).
June 09
Zakari had a full programme of events in Burley.(Zakari‘s visit to Burley ) Dr. Pam Selby, and other donors, were able to equip him with several pieces of medical kit. In London he met doctors who were about to travel overland to Mali with medical equipment. Zakari will meet up with them when they arrive in Bamako.
May 09
Zakari had to travel to Dakar in Senegal to get a visa. Eventually on May 22nd he had visa & flight tickets and arrived at Heathrow May 26th.
On May 29th there was an opportunity for everyone to celebrate his great achievement of qualifying as a doctor. He also brought good news from Téréli. The sinking of the well has been successful and there is plenty of water in the new well.(Téréli Secondary School Well )
April 09
We are hoping to invite Zakari to Burley to celebrate the fact that he has qualified as a doctor. Work has started on the well that is needed at the new secondary school in Téréli.
March 09
Great news - Zakari has qualified as a doctor. He has achieved his Medical Degree with Distinction. He wishes to thank all the people who have supported him while he has been at university.
February 09
An American organisation ‘The Tandana Foundation ‘ sent this message after visiting Téréli.
‘We had a wonderful trip to Mali. I feel so grateful for all that we experienced. We did visit Téréli briefly and met the new director of the Premier Cycle. He and Isaac, (2nd cycle director) have a very good working relationship. They are working together on the garden. They have started potatoes and a few other vegetables, as well as a few fruit trees, but they are looking for more seeds. Isaac told me about the well he hopes to dig inside the garden. We did visit the classrooms, and I will try to send a few photos. Everyone at Téréli as well as Timothee, send their best greetings to you.‘
January 09
Sékou Diarra sends New Year greetings to the people of Burley. Sékou
There was a Téréli Exhibition in Burley United Reformed Church January 30th - February 1st showing what has been achieved during the last few years.
December 08
At the end of November representatives from BTFT were able to attend a conference in London organised by the Malian Community Council and Mali Development Group. Another charity there, Mali-Medics, was wanting to make contact with doctors in Bamako as an expedition is being planned. Zakari has since made contact with them. Zakari has completed his thesis.
November 08
In France ‘La Semaine de la Solidarité Internationale‘ is very similar to ‘One World Week‘. Many events are organised and speakers from developing countries are invited. For the third time Zakari Saye from Téréli was invited to speak at several meetings in Le Havre. A colleague Atimé Saye also accompanied Zakari this time. Representatives from BTFT also travelled to Le Havre. It was a good opportunity for everyone to be able to discuss the projects together.
October 08
Much needed furniture and equipment for the secondary school in Téréli has been bought ready for the start of the school year.
September 08
The annual health awareness project took place inTéréli 12th - 14th September.
12th September the themes was the importance of educating girls.
13th September the theme was about hygiene and the importance of washing hands with soap.
14th September there was prize giving to the pupils at the school.
Over the three days there were 400 free consultations in the dispensary.
August 08
Zakari and other members of AEERTPS have been preparing for their annual health awareness project in Téréli. This will take place early in September when members of ‘Coup de Pouce‘ travel to the area.
July 08
Year 9 students at the secondary school in Téréli have had the results of their national D.E.F.(Diplome d‘Etudes Fondamentales) Examinations. All but one of the students passed their examinations.
June 08
The French charity ‘Coup de Pouce pour les Enfants de Daga‘ spent a week in Burley. On Monday 9th June, in St. Mary‘s Parish Centre, there was the opportunity for people from Burley to meet our French visitors. There was discussion about one of the problems Zakari has mentioned - lack of water at the school. We think that another well and/or deepening the existing well may be possibilities. We need advice from the organisation Zakari belongs to - A.E.E.R.T.P.S.
May 08
We have received photographs from Abbé Noel showing the new well at Ogosaye. Our news in February gave details of the well and the need to replace the traditional well.
April 08
Great news - The Hilden Charitable Fund have awarded us another £5,000. This means work on the toilets, office and making tables/desks for the classrooms can proceed. It will also help get a solar panel.
March 08
Good news has come from Zakari. Many people will be aware that there have been problems and that Zakari has been struggling to make progress with his thesis. We have heard that he is now able to continue with his thesis. Hopefully at the end of this Zakari will qualify as a doctor.
February 08
When we visited Mali in January 2007 our programme included a visit to the village of Ogosaye. We were appalled by the dirty brown water from their traditional well. As this had no lining it was too dangerous for anyone to descend. Another well was needed but at 75 metres deep and £70 per metre the cost was great. BTFT were able to give a donation towards the cost and has received the following message from Abbé Noel at Pel Catholic Mission ‘Thanks to your aid the well of Ogosaye has finished - with lots of water. The whole village is celebrating. Thank you very much on behalf of the village of Ogosaye and the Parish of Pel. May God go with you as well as with all your churches.‘
January 08
Zakari visited the school in Téréli and sent the following details.
Enrolment in the secondary school
Year 7 - Total 154 pupils - 93 boys 61 girls
Year 8 - Total 61 pupils - 42 boys 19 girls
Year 9 - Total 28 pupils - 18 boys 10 girls
In total there are 243 pupils 153 boys and 90 girls. Numbers for year 9 are smaller as the transfer for some pupils came too late.
Number of teachers
These number 4 - two men and two women. 3 are paid by the state and one woman teacher by the people. For the salary of the last mentioned teacher, the parents of the pupils pay 5000cfa per child - £5
NB After 3 months teaching the young French volunteer has a position in France.
December 07
A gift of £500 has been given by St. Mary‘s Parish Church. This wil be used for desks and other equipment needed at the school.
November 07
November 6th two of us from BTFT travelled to Le Havre. We were met off the boat by Maryvonne and Claude Boulanger from ‘Coup de Pouce pour les Enfants de Daga‘. Once more we were able to surprise Zakari, by our presence in France, when he flew into Paris to take part in a programme of speaking engagements in the Haute-Normandie region. At a conference in the Provincial Government Building in Rouen Zakari spoke about the joint venture of Malian, French and English working together to secure secondary education for the area around Téréli.
Téréli Secondary School opened in October. Such is the demand for education they have been overwhelmed by the number of pupils.
154 in year 7, 61 in year 8, 28 in year 9.
Those living up to 12 kms -7.5 miles- walk each day while those living further than 12 kms. board in the village. Those who can, provide cereal for the host family. Pupils, if they are able, contribute to the cost of books and pencils etc.. There are 3 Malian teachers and a teacher from France who is working in a voluntary capacity for a year.
Desks, equipment, an office for the Director and most urgently latrines are still needed.
There was a Téréli Exhibition in Salem United Reformed Church November 23rd - 24th showing what has been achieved during the last few years. Exhibition
October 07
The teachers have been appointed and the Secondary School in Téréli has opened.
September 07
Great news - the building of the three classrooms has been completed. There is still much to be done - purchasing of equipment, building of toilets and the office - but it is hoped pupils will start for 2007/8 school year. Classrooms
August 07
Zakari and other members of AEERTPS have been preparing for their annual health awareness project in Téréli. This will take place early in September when members of ‘Coup de Pouce‘ travel to the area.
July 07
Flash floods have caused devastation in the area round Bandiagara. Many houses, crops, small dams etc. have been destroyed.
June 07
Our fund-raising received a huge boost this month. The Hilden Charitable Fund gave a grant of £5,000 to help with the building of the classrooms. The combined efforts of Burley-Téréli Friendship Trust and 'Coup de Pouce', the group in Le Havre, has raised £16,500. We still need to raise £6,500.
May 07
At the end of May some photographs showing the progress on the classrooms were emailed to us. Zakari‘s brother Emanuel has a tourist agency and took the photographs on a recent visit. Classrooms
April 07
Zakari is making progress with his thesis but needs several medical books to help him. Work has started on the walls of the classrooms
March 07
The work on the classroom foundations continues. Men are also breaking stone ready for the walls. This is very hard work.
February 07
The following letter has been sent to Burley Community Council
Greetings to the members of Burley Community Council
It is with a very great joy that we have had the chance to meet the best friends of our lives. We have been able to catch up on your news. Thank you very much for all the good things that you are doing for us. Mary and John Wood and Anne Parker have brought news from all of the different communities. They have been the ambassadors of Burley.
We sincerely believe in our friendship. We pray to Almighty God that our friendship will last for eternity. We acknowledge all the help that you have given us for the development of our dear village. Already there have been several results of your financial help: the maternity, the well, the cereals etc. for the school canteen and also your support for the building of the three classrooms. You have the thanks of the whole population of Téréli. We are extremely grateful to you. Yet one more time we are entrusting ourselves to you.
In joy we send to you our most friendly greetings. Thanks very much.
Very best wishes
For the village
Monsieur Dogolou Saye (Village Chief)
January 07
Work has started on the extra 3 classrooms needed for the introduction of secondary education in Téréli and the surrounding area. Extra funding is still needed for the buildings to be completed.
Mary & John Wood and Anne Parker visited Mali. 2007 visit to Mali
December 06
During the last 7 years the friendship between the villages of Burley in Wharfedale and Téréli has blossomed. We have now gained charitable status and in future will be called Burley - Téréli Friendship Trust.
Money has been raised through the sale of the Burley -Téréli Calendar to help fund the building of 3 extra classrooms. These are for the school in Téréli so youngsters in that area can get secondary education. In addition Burley Community Council very generously donated £500.
November 06
Zakari was invited to Le Havre by the French Group, ‘Coup de Pouce pour les Enfants de Daga‘, who have given great support to the health awareness projects in Téréli. During his stay Zakari talked about Education and Public Health issues in Mali - at the University in Le Havre, in the local Further Education College and on Radio Apple Pie, a local radio station in Le Havre.
On Tuesday November 14th he thought he was going to meet some French colleagues but to Zakari's surprise John Wood was there. John had gone to Le Havre to take part in their International Solidarity Week - Zakari being one of the speakers. It was also an opportunity for John to meet people from ‘Coup de Pouce‘.
October 06
We were delighted to hear that Zakari has passed his exams. He writes ‘I thank the Lord and all of you who helped me. You should know that my result is yours too, as you‘ve always taken a full part in my medical training.‘
September 06
Sébastien Boulanger and his Mum Maryvonne took part in the health awareness project organised by AEERTPS. They are members of the association 'Coup de Pouce pour les enfants de Daga'. The following is an extract from their report about what was achieved.
- Free consultations in the health care centre (orthopaedic material and medicines brought with us on our journey)
- Planting trees to preserve the environment
- Sessions of clearing the sites (for the new buildings)
- Organising games of question and answer on the subjects ~hygiene and eye infections - health and reproduction~
- Traditional dance evenings
- Meeting with local people involved in the event (Head of school in Téréli the teachers, reps. from the Parents of pupils association, the village chiefs, the town councillors and staff from the health centre)
-General meeting of AEERTPS
The main question to be tackled by all the local people was about the construction of 3 classrooms to create the secondary cycle of education. The project is supported enthusiastically by everyone and we have had confirmation of the villages support to do the labouring.
August 06
Much work has to be done this month in preparation for the health awareness project in September. Diseases of the eye will be one of the topics for this year's project.
July 06
Zakari's examinations take place during this month. He has now completed six years. He has one year left when he will be doing his thesis.
June 06
Youngsters have to leave the school in Téréli at the age of 12 and travel many miles to further their education. Very few are able to do this. A.E.E.R.T.P.S. (the Association of pupils, students and friends from Téréli and Pégué) is hoping to raise money for three additional classrooms to the school in Téréli so that secondary education can be provided. We have received plans and estimates for the work. A group in Le Havre ‘Coup de Pouce pour les enfants de Daga‘ is also helping raise money. It is A.E.E.R.T.P.S. who organise the health awareness projects each September.
May 06
Zakari has written telling us of the project which they hope to organise in September in Téréli.
'I am actually working quite hard on the success of this meeting; we are discussing the choice of theme at the moment as we have actually thought of two:
1. Illnesses caused by water and the hygiene in the Dogon region
2. the role of the young in the abandonment of the practice of female circumcision'
April 06
On April 3rd the last Lent Lecture had "Our Link with Mali' as its title. Deborah Hutchinson did a wonderful presentation about the Joliba Trust. We have received the following messages:-
From Jon Snow
The link between Burley and Téréli has sustained and blossomed beyond my dreams. When we thought of 'On The Line' ahead of the millennium celebrations we always hoped we could create long term links between peoples living in the same time zones across the world. In the end most of our linking efforts were concentrated in the year 2000 itself. The funding was only available in that year. But in common with five or six other projects in Britain, Burley/Téréli determined to carry on. I feel incredibly proud of what has been achieved and humbled by the efforts of both communities. My ambition remains one day to visit both ends of this link...but my 'day job' intrudes to prevent me, as this year. I wish I could share events on April 3rd, but I'll be thinking of both communities anyway. Have a wonderful day..you are the future!
From Zakari
Dear friends of ‘On the Line‘ in Burley in Wharfedale
It is a great pleasure for me to share with you my feelings about the link which has existed between us for about seven years. I rejoice today to put into words for myself and for all the people of Téréli all the feelings we have had, that we have now and which we shall continue to have always towards you and to share these with you.
The emotion is great, so great that after these years an account can be made of our link but before that let us give thanks to the good God who has let us live these marvellous moments together. On thinking back this friendship between Burley in Wharfedale and Téréli has been possible thanks to contact between Mary & John Wood and Zakari Saye before the ‘On the Line‘ project when Zakari was doing his secondary - school studies at the Catholic Parish Mission in the region of Pel - (which is a Christian Aid Partner.) After several years of exchanging letters between Zakari and the couple, the big day came when the Woods came to Mali for the first time in 2000. For a week there was a real harmony between the couple and the people of Téréli. This first contact was therefore the point of departure for the link. It was then an honour for me to be invited to visit Burley in Wharfedale in 2001, where I discovered what a beautiful place you have. The school was, and remains, one of the central points of the link. The activities between the schools in Burley and the one in Téréli are greatly centred on the exchange of drawings and letters, not forgetting the help Burley gives every year to the school in Téréli for educational equipment and the maintenance of the class-rooms and teachers‘ houses.
Your support has also seen the provision of the school meals in a canteen in the school at Téréli where more than 200 children eat a free meal every day. Children come to this canteen from the villages of Sono, Komokan, Nakomo, Dagha and are given priority. Since its beginnings in 1984 the school in Téréli was without water until the day when your money completely paid for the Well which is actually still a source of water for all the pupils and also for the teachers families. These last mentioned do not have far to go to find something to drink! Trees at the school are also watered by the water from this well. I must point out to you that since its beginning this well has had no problems whatsoever. Everything works brilliantly.
Today human lives are saved every day thanks to the building of the Maternity that you financed through the Joliba Trust. I had the chance last year to follow two deliveries in this same Maternity which is still a symbol of our link for everybody.
As for the Association of Pupils and students coming out of Téréli, Pégué and sympathisers, your support has been really notable for these last two years during the activities to raise the peoples� awareness of relevant illnesses.
At Bamako, I am continuing my studies without any problem thanks to you who are supporting me all the time in what is needed in documents, lodgings and food. We mustn‘t forget lots of other things that have happened in this link.
In total, this link remains for the people one of the relationships which has never before existed directly between the two populations of the North and the South. We salute this link with great respect. To reinforce the advantages of this friendship, I propose the following as recommendations to you:
- the continuation of exchanges between the different schools - the continuation of exchanges between the two populations - to give the chance, to those who would like to visit Téréli, even to see holiday camps for pupils from Burley to Téréli - occasionally sending works of art from Téréli to Burley
I couldn‘t possibly finish this message without thanking for myself and for all the people of Téréli and surroundings:
- the instigators of ‘On the Line‘ - (Zakari then mentioned several individuals he has had contact with) - the different religious communities - the different schools in Burley in Wharfedale - Burley Community Council - the Burley in Wharfedale Library - all of the people of Burley, especially those who contribute every day to the success of the link and who haven‘t been mentioned above. Receive from here all our recognition and gratitude My most sincere greetings to you all. With best wishes - Zakari Saye
March 06
Zakari has written about their plans to create three new classrooms at the school in Téréli. At present the school only goes to year 6. They are hoping to provide secondary education in Téréli.
February 06
We have received the following letter from Douru
Thak you for everything you're doing for me and for other people in Mali. Thank you for the precious tape recorder and tape. I've been listening to the different tapes you've sent me repeatedly. Tell Angus, Judith, Mirella and Peter and the others that I send them my greetings and my best wishes. What you are doing for me is very important. May God bless you. My wife, our three daughters and I are well. I hope you'll be visitingMali again and we'll have the opportunity to meet and enjoy spending time together.
Sincerely - Douru Tembely.
January 06
News of Téréli came in a totally unexpected way this month. Revd. Michael Upton from Devon knows of our 'On the Line Link.' When his daughter Sue mentioned her work in Mali would take her to the Dogon region he suggested Téréli might be a place she could visit. Sue Upton was able to visit Téréli and received a great welcome. She has emailed a photo of the headteacher by the Well . It was good to get her news and the greetings from our friends in Téréli.
December 05
We have heard that many villages in the Dogon have had little harvest. A combination of drought and locusts has brought much hardship.
November 05
Zakari started his 6th year at Medical School in Bamako. He has sent details of books he will need and other expenses.
For the whole of the year, in total, here are the expenses I must pay for:
Room + water + electricity: 12 000 Fcfa x 9 = 108 000 Fcfa
Food: 15 000 Fcfa per month (500 Fcfa/day) x 9 = 135 000 Fcfa
Book on Therapeutics, Volumes 1 & 2: 42 575 Fcfa x 2 = 85 150 Fcfa
Book on Toxicology, Volume 1: 11 250 Fcfa
Book on Medical Law, Volume 1: 10 000 Fcfa
Total: 349 400 cfa
October 05
News has come from Téréli that the rain stopped at the end of August. Crops which had been growing well have withered. People are very worried about the situation.
September 05
Zakari has passed his exams and will start his 6th year at Medical School on 1 November. During his stay in Téréli more work was done on the health awareness campaign which was so successful last year.
August 05
We received the following letter from Douru Sylvestre Tembely who visited Burley in March 2000
Dear Mary and John,
My wife Mary, our daughters Beatrice, Irene and Helene and I are well. It's now the rainy season here and there's green grass everywhere. I'm nostalgic of Burley, its landscape, its homes, its people, specially the room where I slept, the time we shared breakfast and other meals together but also the other places I visited and people I met. I hope I'll be back to enjoy more the beauty of your country.
Hoping you're well . I send you our family photograph and carved wood you could use in the kitchen and for Mr John. Mary and the children are wearing our Parish 50th Anniversary uniform and I am wearing a traditional cloth you've certainly seen with old men when you visited our country.
My greetings to Judith, the different church leaders in Burley and others I met in Liverpool, Huyton and elsewhere in UK.
Douru Sylvestre Tembely
July 05
Zakari was well enough to take his exams. At the end he had two weeks in which to rest before returning to Téréli. While he is there he will do 4 weeks practice at the hospital in Sangha.
June 05
Zakari has sent a photograph of his bike and helmet. He has been ill for a month. This has made it difficult for him to study for his exams which start in July.
May 05
We received photographs showing 3 babies born within two hours in the Maternity Centre in Téréli. There were also photographs showing the collection of stones and the transport of stones for the Birthing House in Tanoua.
April 05
News from Zakari – ‘I have at last bought my bike with the helmet. It suits me very well! I drive without any problem and getting to the placement does not give me any difficulty. It cost 650 000F cfa, including the helmet. I added the sum of 110 469F cfa. I thank you very much indeed. I am really very grateful (happy). I took a photo of the bike and I will send it next week.‘
March 05
A letter was sent to Dogolou, Zakari's father, asking if he wished us to help Zakari with his transport problem. Zakari has worked as a Tour Guide in his holidays and had already saved some money towards the cost of the bike. The following is part of the reply.
‘ All is well here for the moment except for the everyday problems of our country. Zakari sent me your letter. Thank you for all the help you are giving him. Thanks to you he is studying. As for the moped, he has been speaking to me about it for a long time, but I did not have the money to help him. It would be good if you helped him and he will wear a crash helmet.
Greetings to all our friends in Burley.
Thanks for all you are doing for us.
Dogolou Saye – (with the signed stamp of the Village Chief)‘
February 05
A postcard showing a traditional well came from Douru Tembely. He sends greetings to everyone he met during his stay in Burley. We also heard from Zakari.‘ At the moment I am doing my practical 20km from Bamako, at Kati, in a military hospital. The work is very hard with soldiers but I am learning lots of things very quickly. On the other hand, I have a huge problem about getting there. At the moment, I go with a friend who has a motorbike. Sometimes I have a serious problem, especially the day when he doesn't go! I would like to buy a bike to help me with my placement, but I find myself in a position where it is absolutely impossible to buy one because of lack of financial means‘.
January 05
Greetings from Zakari ‘A good and happy new year 2005 to you. May 2005 be for you a year of good health, long life, success, prosperity, love and forgiveness. May God grant everything that is good for you.’
News 2002-2004
I am very happy to make your acquaintance. I am the new Parish Priest at Pel and I wish you a good and happy New Year for 2010, lots of peace, joy, good health, prosperity and long life. I saw the information about the well that you financed at Koro and now the well is finished and I shall send you the reports with photos to support them. Through me, the children of the kindergarten, their teachers and their parents thank you and may the Almighty repay you a hundred times over for your kind deeds. We always trust in you and I continue to pray for you. Once again, thank you very much, we will be in touch again soon.
Father Léon Douyon, Pel Catholic Mission
December 09
The Burley-Téréli 2010 Calendar has sold well. A copy of the calendar can be seen in Burley Library.
November 09
Members of ‘Coup de Pouce‘, the charity from Le Havre that we work with, travelled to Bamako at the end of October. With Zakari they were able to buy the books for Téréli Secondary School with the money we sent. They hired a vehicle and transported all the books to the school. Watch the video of books being delivered. The first part is in French but Zakari speaks in English towards the end.Téréli Secondary School
October 09
£500 has been sent for seeds and tools for the garden project at Téréli Secondary School. In addition £1,000 has been sent so the first installment of books can be sent to Téréli Secondary School for the start of the academic year.
September 09
We have received details of books needed for the Téréli Secondary School as well as information about the school garden project and the costs involved.
August 09
A film was shown at the ‘Burley Summer Festival‘ part of which was filmed in Téréli and which featured Zakari's brother Atimé. There were displays showing the many artefacts and gifts we have received from the Dogon.
July 09
The doctors who were travelling overland have arrived safely in Bamako and met up with Zakari. Great news from Téréli - students in Year 9 have all been successful in the national examination DEF( diplome d‘études fondamentales).
June 09
Zakari had a full programme of events in Burley.(Zakari‘s visit to Burley ) Dr. Pam Selby, and other donors, were able to equip him with several pieces of medical kit. In London he met doctors who were about to travel overland to Mali with medical equipment. Zakari will meet up with them when they arrive in Bamako.
May 09
Zakari had to travel to Dakar in Senegal to get a visa. Eventually on May 22nd he had visa & flight tickets and arrived at Heathrow May 26th.
On May 29th there was an opportunity for everyone to celebrate his great achievement of qualifying as a doctor. He also brought good news from Téréli. The sinking of the well has been successful and there is plenty of water in the new well.(Téréli Secondary School Well )
April 09
We are hoping to invite Zakari to Burley to celebrate the fact that he has qualified as a doctor. Work has started on the well that is needed at the new secondary school in Téréli.
March 09
Great news - Zakari has qualified as a doctor. He has achieved his Medical Degree with Distinction. He wishes to thank all the people who have supported him while he has been at university.
February 09
An American organisation ‘The Tandana Foundation ‘ sent this message after visiting Téréli.
‘We had a wonderful trip to Mali. I feel so grateful for all that we experienced. We did visit Téréli briefly and met the new director of the Premier Cycle. He and Isaac, (2nd cycle director) have a very good working relationship. They are working together on the garden. They have started potatoes and a few other vegetables, as well as a few fruit trees, but they are looking for more seeds. Isaac told me about the well he hopes to dig inside the garden. We did visit the classrooms, and I will try to send a few photos. Everyone at Téréli as well as Timothee, send their best greetings to you.‘
January 09
Sékou Diarra sends New Year greetings to the people of Burley. Sékou
There was a Téréli Exhibition in Burley United Reformed Church January 30th - February 1st showing what has been achieved during the last few years.
December 08
At the end of November representatives from BTFT were able to attend a conference in London organised by the Malian Community Council and Mali Development Group. Another charity there, Mali-Medics, was wanting to make contact with doctors in Bamako as an expedition is being planned. Zakari has since made contact with them. Zakari has completed his thesis.
November 08
In France ‘La Semaine de la Solidarité Internationale‘ is very similar to ‘One World Week‘. Many events are organised and speakers from developing countries are invited. For the third time Zakari Saye from Téréli was invited to speak at several meetings in Le Havre. A colleague Atimé Saye also accompanied Zakari this time. Representatives from BTFT also travelled to Le Havre. It was a good opportunity for everyone to be able to discuss the projects together.
October 08
Much needed furniture and equipment for the secondary school in Téréli has been bought ready for the start of the school year.
September 08
The annual health awareness project took place inTéréli 12th - 14th September.
12th September the themes was the importance of educating girls.
13th September the theme was about hygiene and the importance of washing hands with soap.
14th September there was prize giving to the pupils at the school.
Over the three days there were 400 free consultations in the dispensary.
August 08
Zakari and other members of AEERTPS have been preparing for their annual health awareness project in Téréli. This will take place early in September when members of ‘Coup de Pouce‘ travel to the area.
July 08
Year 9 students at the secondary school in Téréli have had the results of their national D.E.F.(Diplome d‘Etudes Fondamentales) Examinations. All but one of the students passed their examinations.
June 08
The French charity ‘Coup de Pouce pour les Enfants de Daga‘ spent a week in Burley. On Monday 9th June, in St. Mary‘s Parish Centre, there was the opportunity for people from Burley to meet our French visitors. There was discussion about one of the problems Zakari has mentioned - lack of water at the school. We think that another well and/or deepening the existing well may be possibilities. We need advice from the organisation Zakari belongs to - A.E.E.R.T.P.S.
May 08
We have received photographs from Abbé Noel showing the new well at Ogosaye. Our news in February gave details of the well and the need to replace the traditional well.
April 08
Great news - The Hilden Charitable Fund have awarded us another £5,000. This means work on the toilets, office and making tables/desks for the classrooms can proceed. It will also help get a solar panel.
March 08
Good news has come from Zakari. Many people will be aware that there have been problems and that Zakari has been struggling to make progress with his thesis. We have heard that he is now able to continue with his thesis. Hopefully at the end of this Zakari will qualify as a doctor.
February 08
When we visited Mali in January 2007 our programme included a visit to the village of Ogosaye. We were appalled by the dirty brown water from their traditional well. As this had no lining it was too dangerous for anyone to descend. Another well was needed but at 75 metres deep and £70 per metre the cost was great. BTFT were able to give a donation towards the cost and has received the following message from Abbé Noel at Pel Catholic Mission ‘Thanks to your aid the well of Ogosaye has finished - with lots of water. The whole village is celebrating. Thank you very much on behalf of the village of Ogosaye and the Parish of Pel. May God go with you as well as with all your churches.‘
January 08
Zakari visited the school in Téréli and sent the following details.
Enrolment in the secondary school
Year 7 - Total 154 pupils - 93 boys 61 girls
Year 8 - Total 61 pupils - 42 boys 19 girls
Year 9 - Total 28 pupils - 18 boys 10 girls
In total there are 243 pupils 153 boys and 90 girls. Numbers for year 9 are smaller as the transfer for some pupils came too late.
Number of teachers
These number 4 - two men and two women. 3 are paid by the state and one woman teacher by the people. For the salary of the last mentioned teacher, the parents of the pupils pay 5000cfa per child - £5
NB After 3 months teaching the young French volunteer has a position in France.
December 07
A gift of £500 has been given by St. Mary‘s Parish Church. This wil be used for desks and other equipment needed at the school.
November 07
November 6th two of us from BTFT travelled to Le Havre. We were met off the boat by Maryvonne and Claude Boulanger from ‘Coup de Pouce pour les Enfants de Daga‘. Once more we were able to surprise Zakari, by our presence in France, when he flew into Paris to take part in a programme of speaking engagements in the Haute-Normandie region. At a conference in the Provincial Government Building in Rouen Zakari spoke about the joint venture of Malian, French and English working together to secure secondary education for the area around Téréli.
Téréli Secondary School opened in October. Such is the demand for education they have been overwhelmed by the number of pupils.
154 in year 7, 61 in year 8, 28 in year 9.
Those living up to 12 kms -7.5 miles- walk each day while those living further than 12 kms. board in the village. Those who can, provide cereal for the host family. Pupils, if they are able, contribute to the cost of books and pencils etc.. There are 3 Malian teachers and a teacher from France who is working in a voluntary capacity for a year.
Desks, equipment, an office for the Director and most urgently latrines are still needed.
There was a Téréli Exhibition in Salem United Reformed Church November 23rd - 24th showing what has been achieved during the last few years. Exhibition
October 07
The teachers have been appointed and the Secondary School in Téréli has opened.
September 07
Great news - the building of the three classrooms has been completed. There is still much to be done - purchasing of equipment, building of toilets and the office - but it is hoped pupils will start for 2007/8 school year. Classrooms
August 07
Zakari and other members of AEERTPS have been preparing for their annual health awareness project in Téréli. This will take place early in September when members of ‘Coup de Pouce‘ travel to the area.
July 07
Flash floods have caused devastation in the area round Bandiagara. Many houses, crops, small dams etc. have been destroyed.
June 07
Our fund-raising received a huge boost this month. The Hilden Charitable Fund gave a grant of £5,000 to help with the building of the classrooms. The combined efforts of Burley-Téréli Friendship Trust and 'Coup de Pouce', the group in Le Havre, has raised £16,500. We still need to raise £6,500.
May 07
At the end of May some photographs showing the progress on the classrooms were emailed to us. Zakari‘s brother Emanuel has a tourist agency and took the photographs on a recent visit. Classrooms
April 07
Zakari is making progress with his thesis but needs several medical books to help him. Work has started on the walls of the classrooms
March 07
The work on the classroom foundations continues. Men are also breaking stone ready for the walls. This is very hard work.
February 07
The following letter has been sent to Burley Community Council
Greetings to the members of Burley Community Council
It is with a very great joy that we have had the chance to meet the best friends of our lives. We have been able to catch up on your news. Thank you very much for all the good things that you are doing for us. Mary and John Wood and Anne Parker have brought news from all of the different communities. They have been the ambassadors of Burley.
We sincerely believe in our friendship. We pray to Almighty God that our friendship will last for eternity. We acknowledge all the help that you have given us for the development of our dear village. Already there have been several results of your financial help: the maternity, the well, the cereals etc. for the school canteen and also your support for the building of the three classrooms. You have the thanks of the whole population of Téréli. We are extremely grateful to you. Yet one more time we are entrusting ourselves to you.
In joy we send to you our most friendly greetings. Thanks very much.
Very best wishes
For the village
Monsieur Dogolou Saye (Village Chief)
January 07
Work has started on the extra 3 classrooms needed for the introduction of secondary education in Téréli and the surrounding area. Extra funding is still needed for the buildings to be completed.
Mary & John Wood and Anne Parker visited Mali. 2007 visit to Mali
December 06
During the last 7 years the friendship between the villages of Burley in Wharfedale and Téréli has blossomed. We have now gained charitable status and in future will be called Burley - Téréli Friendship Trust.
Money has been raised through the sale of the Burley -Téréli Calendar to help fund the building of 3 extra classrooms. These are for the school in Téréli so youngsters in that area can get secondary education. In addition Burley Community Council very generously donated £500.
November 06
Zakari was invited to Le Havre by the French Group, ‘Coup de Pouce pour les Enfants de Daga‘, who have given great support to the health awareness projects in Téréli. During his stay Zakari talked about Education and Public Health issues in Mali - at the University in Le Havre, in the local Further Education College and on Radio Apple Pie, a local radio station in Le Havre.
On Tuesday November 14th he thought he was going to meet some French colleagues but to Zakari's surprise John Wood was there. John had gone to Le Havre to take part in their International Solidarity Week - Zakari being one of the speakers. It was also an opportunity for John to meet people from ‘Coup de Pouce‘.
October 06
We were delighted to hear that Zakari has passed his exams. He writes ‘I thank the Lord and all of you who helped me. You should know that my result is yours too, as you‘ve always taken a full part in my medical training.‘
September 06
Sébastien Boulanger and his Mum Maryvonne took part in the health awareness project organised by AEERTPS. They are members of the association 'Coup de Pouce pour les enfants de Daga'. The following is an extract from their report about what was achieved.
- Free consultations in the health care centre (orthopaedic material and medicines brought with us on our journey)
- Planting trees to preserve the environment
- Sessions of clearing the sites (for the new buildings)
- Organising games of question and answer on the subjects ~hygiene and eye infections - health and reproduction~
- Traditional dance evenings
- Meeting with local people involved in the event (Head of school in Téréli the teachers, reps. from the Parents of pupils association, the village chiefs, the town councillors and staff from the health centre)
-General meeting of AEERTPS
The main question to be tackled by all the local people was about the construction of 3 classrooms to create the secondary cycle of education. The project is supported enthusiastically by everyone and we have had confirmation of the villages support to do the labouring.
August 06
Much work has to be done this month in preparation for the health awareness project in September. Diseases of the eye will be one of the topics for this year's project.
July 06
Zakari's examinations take place during this month. He has now completed six years. He has one year left when he will be doing his thesis.
June 06
Youngsters have to leave the school in Téréli at the age of 12 and travel many miles to further their education. Very few are able to do this. A.E.E.R.T.P.S. (the Association of pupils, students and friends from Téréli and Pégué) is hoping to raise money for three additional classrooms to the school in Téréli so that secondary education can be provided. We have received plans and estimates for the work. A group in Le Havre ‘Coup de Pouce pour les enfants de Daga‘ is also helping raise money. It is A.E.E.R.T.P.S. who organise the health awareness projects each September.
May 06
Zakari has written telling us of the project which they hope to organise in September in Téréli.
'I am actually working quite hard on the success of this meeting; we are discussing the choice of theme at the moment as we have actually thought of two:
1. Illnesses caused by water and the hygiene in the Dogon region
2. the role of the young in the abandonment of the practice of female circumcision'
April 06
On April 3rd the last Lent Lecture had "Our Link with Mali' as its title. Deborah Hutchinson did a wonderful presentation about the Joliba Trust. We have received the following messages:-
From Jon Snow
The link between Burley and Téréli has sustained and blossomed beyond my dreams. When we thought of 'On The Line' ahead of the millennium celebrations we always hoped we could create long term links between peoples living in the same time zones across the world. In the end most of our linking efforts were concentrated in the year 2000 itself. The funding was only available in that year. But in common with five or six other projects in Britain, Burley/Téréli determined to carry on. I feel incredibly proud of what has been achieved and humbled by the efforts of both communities. My ambition remains one day to visit both ends of this link...but my 'day job' intrudes to prevent me, as this year. I wish I could share events on April 3rd, but I'll be thinking of both communities anyway. Have a wonderful day..you are the future!
From Zakari
Dear friends of ‘On the Line‘ in Burley in Wharfedale
It is a great pleasure for me to share with you my feelings about the link which has existed between us for about seven years. I rejoice today to put into words for myself and for all the people of Téréli all the feelings we have had, that we have now and which we shall continue to have always towards you and to share these with you.
The emotion is great, so great that after these years an account can be made of our link but before that let us give thanks to the good God who has let us live these marvellous moments together. On thinking back this friendship between Burley in Wharfedale and Téréli has been possible thanks to contact between Mary & John Wood and Zakari Saye before the ‘On the Line‘ project when Zakari was doing his secondary - school studies at the Catholic Parish Mission in the region of Pel - (which is a Christian Aid Partner.) After several years of exchanging letters between Zakari and the couple, the big day came when the Woods came to Mali for the first time in 2000. For a week there was a real harmony between the couple and the people of Téréli. This first contact was therefore the point of departure for the link. It was then an honour for me to be invited to visit Burley in Wharfedale in 2001, where I discovered what a beautiful place you have. The school was, and remains, one of the central points of the link. The activities between the schools in Burley and the one in Téréli are greatly centred on the exchange of drawings and letters, not forgetting the help Burley gives every year to the school in Téréli for educational equipment and the maintenance of the class-rooms and teachers‘ houses.
Your support has also seen the provision of the school meals in a canteen in the school at Téréli where more than 200 children eat a free meal every day. Children come to this canteen from the villages of Sono, Komokan, Nakomo, Dagha and are given priority. Since its beginnings in 1984 the school in Téréli was without water until the day when your money completely paid for the Well which is actually still a source of water for all the pupils and also for the teachers families. These last mentioned do not have far to go to find something to drink! Trees at the school are also watered by the water from this well. I must point out to you that since its beginning this well has had no problems whatsoever. Everything works brilliantly.
Today human lives are saved every day thanks to the building of the Maternity that you financed through the Joliba Trust. I had the chance last year to follow two deliveries in this same Maternity which is still a symbol of our link for everybody.
As for the Association of Pupils and students coming out of Téréli, Pégué and sympathisers, your support has been really notable for these last two years during the activities to raise the peoples� awareness of relevant illnesses.
At Bamako, I am continuing my studies without any problem thanks to you who are supporting me all the time in what is needed in documents, lodgings and food. We mustn‘t forget lots of other things that have happened in this link.
In total, this link remains for the people one of the relationships which has never before existed directly between the two populations of the North and the South. We salute this link with great respect. To reinforce the advantages of this friendship, I propose the following as recommendations to you:
- the continuation of exchanges between the different schools - the continuation of exchanges between the two populations - to give the chance, to those who would like to visit Téréli, even to see holiday camps for pupils from Burley to Téréli - occasionally sending works of art from Téréli to Burley
I couldn‘t possibly finish this message without thanking for myself and for all the people of Téréli and surroundings:
- the instigators of ‘On the Line‘ - (Zakari then mentioned several individuals he has had contact with) - the different religious communities - the different schools in Burley in Wharfedale - Burley Community Council - the Burley in Wharfedale Library - all of the people of Burley, especially those who contribute every day to the success of the link and who haven‘t been mentioned above. Receive from here all our recognition and gratitude My most sincere greetings to you all. With best wishes - Zakari Saye
March 06
Zakari has written about their plans to create three new classrooms at the school in Téréli. At present the school only goes to year 6. They are hoping to provide secondary education in Téréli.
February 06
We have received the following letter from Douru
Thak you for everything you're doing for me and for other people in Mali. Thank you for the precious tape recorder and tape. I've been listening to the different tapes you've sent me repeatedly. Tell Angus, Judith, Mirella and Peter and the others that I send them my greetings and my best wishes. What you are doing for me is very important. May God bless you. My wife, our three daughters and I are well. I hope you'll be visitingMali again and we'll have the opportunity to meet and enjoy spending time together.
Sincerely - Douru Tembely.
January 06
News of Téréli came in a totally unexpected way this month. Revd. Michael Upton from Devon knows of our 'On the Line Link.' When his daughter Sue mentioned her work in Mali would take her to the Dogon region he suggested Téréli might be a place she could visit. Sue Upton was able to visit Téréli and received a great welcome. She has emailed a photo of the headteacher by the Well . It was good to get her news and the greetings from our friends in Téréli.
December 05
We have heard that many villages in the Dogon have had little harvest. A combination of drought and locusts has brought much hardship.
November 05
Zakari started his 6th year at Medical School in Bamako. He has sent details of books he will need and other expenses.
For the whole of the year, in total, here are the expenses I must pay for:
Room + water + electricity: 12 000 Fcfa x 9 = 108 000 Fcfa
Food: 15 000 Fcfa per month (500 Fcfa/day) x 9 = 135 000 Fcfa
Book on Therapeutics, Volumes 1 & 2: 42 575 Fcfa x 2 = 85 150 Fcfa
Book on Toxicology, Volume 1: 11 250 Fcfa
Book on Medical Law, Volume 1: 10 000 Fcfa
Total: 349 400 cfa
October 05
News has come from Téréli that the rain stopped at the end of August. Crops which had been growing well have withered. People are very worried about the situation.
September 05
Zakari has passed his exams and will start his 6th year at Medical School on 1 November. During his stay in Téréli more work was done on the health awareness campaign which was so successful last year.
August 05
We received the following letter from Douru Sylvestre Tembely who visited Burley in March 2000
Dear Mary and John,
My wife Mary, our daughters Beatrice, Irene and Helene and I are well. It's now the rainy season here and there's green grass everywhere. I'm nostalgic of Burley, its landscape, its homes, its people, specially the room where I slept, the time we shared breakfast and other meals together but also the other places I visited and people I met. I hope I'll be back to enjoy more the beauty of your country.
Hoping you're well . I send you our family photograph and carved wood you could use in the kitchen and for Mr John. Mary and the children are wearing our Parish 50th Anniversary uniform and I am wearing a traditional cloth you've certainly seen with old men when you visited our country.
My greetings to Judith, the different church leaders in Burley and others I met in Liverpool, Huyton and elsewhere in UK.
Douru Sylvestre Tembely
July 05
Zakari was well enough to take his exams. At the end he had two weeks in which to rest before returning to Téréli. While he is there he will do 4 weeks practice at the hospital in Sangha.
June 05
Zakari has sent a photograph of his bike and helmet. He has been ill for a month. This has made it difficult for him to study for his exams which start in July.
May 05
We received photographs showing 3 babies born within two hours in the Maternity Centre in Téréli. There were also photographs showing the collection of stones and the transport of stones for the Birthing House in Tanoua.
April 05
News from Zakari – ‘I have at last bought my bike with the helmet. It suits me very well! I drive without any problem and getting to the placement does not give me any difficulty. It cost 650 000F cfa, including the helmet. I added the sum of 110 469F cfa. I thank you very much indeed. I am really very grateful (happy). I took a photo of the bike and I will send it next week.‘
March 05
A letter was sent to Dogolou, Zakari's father, asking if he wished us to help Zakari with his transport problem. Zakari has worked as a Tour Guide in his holidays and had already saved some money towards the cost of the bike. The following is part of the reply.
‘ All is well here for the moment except for the everyday problems of our country. Zakari sent me your letter. Thank you for all the help you are giving him. Thanks to you he is studying. As for the moped, he has been speaking to me about it for a long time, but I did not have the money to help him. It would be good if you helped him and he will wear a crash helmet.
Greetings to all our friends in Burley.
Thanks for all you are doing for us.
Dogolou Saye – (with the signed stamp of the Village Chief)‘
February 05
A postcard showing a traditional well came from Douru Tembely. He sends greetings to everyone he met during his stay in Burley. We also heard from Zakari.‘ At the moment I am doing my practical 20km from Bamako, at Kati, in a military hospital. The work is very hard with soldiers but I am learning lots of things very quickly. On the other hand, I have a huge problem about getting there. At the moment, I go with a friend who has a motorbike. Sometimes I have a serious problem, especially the day when he doesn't go! I would like to buy a bike to help me with my placement, but I find myself in a position where it is absolutely impossible to buy one because of lack of financial means‘.
January 05
Greetings from Zakari ‘A good and happy new year 2005 to you. May 2005 be for you a year of good health, long life, success, prosperity, love and forgiveness. May God grant everything that is good for you.’
News 2002-2004