Solidarity mission alongside the women of Bamako

Sylvia, a Conforama employee in Metz, tells us about her two weeks' solidarity leave in Mali….

Sylvia with women of Bamako Zoom Sylvia with women of Bamako 

What were your motivations for taking a solidarity leave?

I really wanted to travel while establishing contact with the local population and its culture. The very day I read an article about solidarity leaves, I wanted to leave right away! Since the mission was coordinated and financed via the PPR Foundation, I was in Bamako two months later! 

How did you plan your leave ?

First, you have to contact the PPR Foundation to get information on the different types of  missions. Once you've completed the registration form, the choice of mission is made directly with "Planète Urgence", according to dates, countries and skills. After that, the association is in charge of coordinating, managing and supervising the mission in the field. All I had to do was to take care of my vaccinations and plane tickets.

How did you get along with the inhabitants?

My mission was to train a group of women in accounting, so they could manage the fabric business they had developed. We would meet everyday to work on their project and we immediately established a relationship of trust and sharing. Happiness and friendliness are also at the heart of their culture. Their elegance fascinated me: everyday, they would wear a different outfit and what beautiful colours!

Would you like to take another solidarity leave?

Yes, very much, it was truly a rewarding experience! I was immersed in the Malian culture: with them, I felt like more than a mere foreign tourist, even though it was a lot of work! Also, there are great needs in this country, and I was happy to lend a hand to these women in the development of their business.

© 2009 Fondation d'Entreprise PPR pour la Dignité et les Droits des Femmes