Mali has taken a significant step toward promoting its local languages in education after adopting a new constitution in 2023 that recognizes 13 official languages. Although French, the language of the former colonizer, is no longer an official language, it still maintains a strong presence in the country, including in classrooms.
The education ministry is now harnessing artificial intelligence to help students learn to read and write in their native tongues. In partnership with RobotsMali, an AI company, the ministry has produced more than a hundred stories in Bambara—the most widely spoken language in Mali. These illustrated stories are designed for school use, helping students quickly connect words with their meanings. AI tools such as ChatGPT and Leonardo are employed to write, translate, and illustrate the narratives.
Thirteen‑year‑old pupil Clarisse Yasségué Togo finds the initiative beneficial, saying, “It helps me speak better with my friends. All of this is good.” Nevertheless, she notes that French remains the dominant language spoken at school. RobotsMali’s Mamadou Dembele explains that the project aims to address the longstanding shortage of books in Malian languages.
Mali’s efforts to promote local languages are not new, but earlier attempts to replace French‑language education with languages like Bambara failed due to limited resources and political will. The relationship between Mali and France has shifted dramatically in recent years, especially after a military junta seized power in the 2020 and 2021 coups. The RobotsMali initiative is seen as a way for Mali to break free from the lingering influence of its former colonial ruler.
The program has been well received by students. Seventeen‑year‑old Fatoumata Sacko says, “Bambara is our language. We should prioritize it.” Dembele adds, “It makes me proud to see my little brothers and sisters learning with so much joy.” As Mali continues to promote its local languages, the initiative represents a significant step toward preserving and celebrating the country’s linguistic diversity, even as its impact on reducing reliance on French remains to be seen.
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