About
The African Workshop is a community centre in Bamako, Mali. It’s a lean-to, woven, patched-up building where kids can go and play. They can borrow a football, scribble on bright paper, run round with skipping ropes or chase a Frisbee.
We let them be kids in one of the poorest cities on the planet, where work usually starts as soon as you can walk.
The African Workshop is run day-to-day by an amazing group of Malian musicians and artists. As well as letting the kids play, they teach them vital skills and traditional culture.
Music: The young people can drop-in and learn to make and play traditional instruments, such the N’goni and the Poulani guitar. They teach them folk songs and stories from rural Mali, which can get lost in the churning urban sprawl of Bamako. And the whole group plays music together.
Art: Then there’s art; the kids can learn to make dyes, print cloth and design clothes. They can dream up there own ideas and get support to see them through.
School: In the shanty-town where the African Workshop is based, school is too expensive for many families. We teach the kids to read and write, for free, so they don’t get left too far behind those that can afford an education.
Food: We also make sure that when the kids are at the centre they get fed, eating together and enjoying time with their friends.
Friends: Artists and musicians around the world to support the African Workshop by donating work. It’s a chance to use their talents to help kids in Mali develop theirs. Check out their work on the site – then buy it!
Future: This is just the beginning – we’ve have huge, positive plans for the future. But they can only happen with your help, support and love.