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Seven years after our first visit John and I, together with a friend Anne Parker, set off from Bamako with Zakari on the long journey to Téréli. Nothing could have prepared us for the welcome. Travelling across the plains and on the plateau very few people are seen but about 2 km from Téréli the 4x4 Toyota, which we had hired, was surrounded by hundreds of people. The drums were beating, people were singing and dancing, guns were being fired and we were surrounded by people greeting us. It must have taken us an hour or two to finally reach the village where there were more formal exchange of greetings with the Village Chief, Dogolou Saye, and elders of Téréli. The welcome continued for several hours with all the young people dancing and singing. ‘You have left your home but you are at home‘ was said to us many times. This is what it really felt like.
We were keen to go to the school in Téréli as several adults and youngsters from both primary schools in Burley had given us pencils, books, crayons etc.. The Headteacher, Sana Tembely, gave them out to all the children. He spent much time showing us round and explained why it was so important to get 3 extra classrooms for secondary education. We saw work on the foundations as well as men breaking stone.
During the last seven years many photographs and cards have been sent to Téréli. I was amazed to see them on walls in churches, in the school and elsewhere in the village. Time and time again we were asked to pass on thanks to everyone who had helped raise money for the Maternity, the school well and canteen.
Going to Téréli was only part of our time in Mali. We stayed for a few days at the Catholic Missions in Bandiagara and Pel where we were able to see the incredible work of the White Fathers. Apomi Saye, Director of the Joliba Trust, organised visits to a wide variety of projects including:- sand dune stabilisation near Idyeli, micro credit classes in Koporo Pen and tree planting in the surrounding area, women‘s health and welfare with the Fulani people who are nomadic, land reclamation and locust egg collection in Sogodougou, wells at Bangala 2 and Koumbogounou Peulh, the Maternity and midwifery projects in Tanivan - and many other truly inspiring projects.
The last few days were spent in Bamako. Sékou Diarra, who visited Burley in 2001, was able to come and see us and tell of his important work with peasants in the cotton growing areas. It was good to hear about the difference Fair Trade Cotton is making.
In Bamako we were able to see where Zakari is living and studying. He has to complete his thesis before qualifying as a doctor. It was reassuring for us to know had we needed medical assistance Zakari was there to help!
We have returned to Burley with so many wonderful memories - the amazing welcome - remarkable gifts showing their rich culture and many friendships renewed and strengthened. It has been such a privilege to stay in their community and both encouraging and inspiring to see what has been achieved.
Mary February 2007

A.E.E. R.T.P.S.



















