The Classroom of Kidal

Sunday November 24th 2013

The Classroom Of Kidal

Written by: Cameron Searles

 

PITCH

The Republic of Mali is a country located in west Africa, bordered by Algeria, Cote D'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Mali has a population of about 14.5 million people. This project will take place in the region of Kidal. Kidal is an area located in northern Mali, and is part of a vast region of desert land. This region has a population of just over 67 thousand people. This project will focus on the education in the capital of the Kidal region (Kidal). Kidal has a population of 25 thousand people.
 
 

43.6% of the population of Kidal is below the national poverty line. Unemployment rates stand at about 12%. Also many if the schools in Kidal, are full of unqualified teachers.
 
This issue touched a soft spot inside me, because I believe every child around the world should have an equal opportunity to succeed in the same way I do. The two goals for this project are to build a school in Kidal, and to make it affordable and realistic for families.

CRITICAL NEED   

 Many of the schools in rural areas such as Kidal, have schools that are unqualified, with teachers who don't meet the qualification standards. Only 24.7% of students in Kidal reach grade 6. Partly because their families are so poor, and partly because of the unqualified teachers. This project is a must because the literacy rate is so low. With literacy rates so low, and poverty rates so high, this leaves every child with an improbable chance to succeed in the future. It is important that we fix this problem, not only to help the children now, but to help the children of the future.

 

IMPACT

This will have an impact on the whole country of Mali. Although this project is only involving the city of Kidal, we look to expand to the rest of the country in the future. Giving the children of Kidal a real education shows equality. No matter where you live in the world, you should have the right to a qualified education, and the opportunity to succeed in life.

 

 

FEASIBILITY

WHEN: May 2014 - December 2014

WHO: A letter has been sent to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, and specifically the captain Sidney Crosby to provide some funding for this project. We will also write letters to every NHL team in order to gain enough money for this project.

WHY: The team and its players all make a lot of money, and are also very big influences on kids of all ages. This will set a great example of how to be a global citizen.

COST

1000 desks = $73,000
1500 school supplies packages = $52,500
Contracting fees = $3,849,000
Architectural fees = $1,347,200
Building fees = $15,396,000
TOTAL= $20,592,200

 

LAST POINTS

Children all around the world have dreams. Whether it is becoming a doctor, an athlete, or a teacher or anything they want, it is important that every child has at least an opportunity to chase their dreams. My goal is to help a few of those children, by building a school in Kidal that has qualified teachers. This a just a small step in achieving the overall goal of global equality.

ABOUT ME

My name is Cameron Searles. I am a 15 year old student athlete at Bill Crothers Secondary School. My main sport is AAA hockey, but I also play many other sports including football, track and field, and basketball.

"Mali Education." Mali Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013
"Education and Gender Equality." UNICEF. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.
"Mali." Data. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2013.