Christian Aid works to end poverty in over 29 countries worldwide. Read below to hear about my experience in Mali in 2014.

In 2014 I visited Mali as a journalist to see the work being done there after Islamic groups in the north began advancing south, resulting in the conflict of 2012/2013.

They began taking over towns and enforcing an extreme version of Sharia law. Both Christians and Muslims were fearful of the rebels.

During the trip I met students forced to flee their homes and had missed months of school, but who wanted to use their education to help their country succeed.

I met a mother-of-three who was scared go to the local market because of public floggings.

I met a local radio presenter who was beaten by the rebels and threatened with death. His town still had bomb craters and landmines when I visited.

But GRAT, one of Christian Aid’s main partners in Mali, was working to assist 1,000 displaced families and strengthen productivity in agriculture by providing equipment and training. Another partner organisation APH was giving out millet as part of a food distribution project.

Christian Aid works with partners on the ground to get the help straight to the people who need it.

A teacher told me: “Traditionally Mali is a country of togetherness and we never had religious problems. I’m Muslim and work in a Catholic school no problem. Through the help of national and international partners we’re trying to rebuild ourselves.”

Sian