Young Life Mali

Reaching the young people of Mali

Young Life began in Mali in 2009 and the Lord has worked in powerful ways. Despite political and religious challenges, Young Life in Mali has developed 138 ministries where leaders knew 14,684 kids by name in 2023!

In 2023, leaders knew 14,684 teens by name in Mali.

Mali Summary

Mali is a large west African country with Islamic radical rebels controlling the northern desert regions, with relative peace in the southern region. After gaining its independence from France in 1960, Mali suffered droughts, rebellions, a coup and 23 years of military dictatorship until democratic elections in 1992. Among the 25 poorest countries in the world, Mali is a landlocked country that depends on gold mining and agricultural exports for revenue. With a population of over 20 million people, over 90% are Muslim and Christians make up less than 5% of the country. Half of the population is under the age of 18. French is the official national language, although there are 13 national languages spoken in Mali in addition to French.

Since beginning in 2009, Young Life Mali has experienced continual growth. With 678 volunteer leaders, we have seen an answer to prayer for leader recruitment and engagement. Christianity is not widely accepted in Mali which makes ministry challenging. Yet, over 6,000 kids attend club each week to hear the truth of Jesus Christ. Over 1,800 of these kids have joined a small group Bible study and continue to grow in their faith, despite the possible persecution they will face because of it.

Stories from Mali

Shots from the field

Camp

These two kids representing YL Mali

A fun YL club in Mali

Girls at the YL Outreach Camp

Team Leaders

We love YL!

Day camp

Our impact

	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	Growth (2023)
Kids Known by Name		7,032	10,839	14,883	14,684	-1%
Avg. Kids at Clubs	4,904	4,583	2,458	3,914	6,241	59%
Avg. Kids in Campaigners	1,215	1,082	1,058	1,418	1,846	30%
Number of Ministries	85	90	102	117	138	17%
National Staff	9	10	10	10	12	20%
DGL	4	7	10	11		%
Kids & Leaders to Camp	2,028	1,020	1,428	1,746	1,493	-14%

Our ministries

Since Mali is an incredibly dangerous place to proclaim Christianity, we are so thankful for the staff and leaders who are faithful to His calling despite the danger. Over 6,000 kids, many of them Muslim, attend club each week to hear the truth of Jesus Christ. Over 1,800 of these kids have joined a small group Bible study and continue to grow in their faith, despite the inevitable danger and persecution they will face because of it.