Volunteer Work Mali

Free and paid volunteer work opportunities in Mali with details and listings of volunteer work programs and projects in Mali. For many years Mali was considered one of the safest and most secure democracies in Africa, however today is experiencing significant dual security and economic crises, with ongoing conflicts between non-state armed groups and the central government, and a volatile political situation marked by protests and instability since the 2020 and 2021 coups. The country is also highly vulnerable to climate shocks and faces challenges with food insecurity, which contributes to a fragile environment for long-term stability. This had led to the closure of many volunteer work programs and projects in the country as it is no longer considered a safe place to operate however given Mali covers an expanse of approximately 479,245 square miles, there are still pockets of stability.

Today Mali is ranked in 188th place out of 193 countries and territories in 2023 in terms of life expectancy, literacy, access to knowledge and the living standards of a country make it well short of even sub-Saharan standards. In fact Mali is one of the 25 poorest countries in the world, let alone Africa. Life expectancy for its 24.8 million (2025) people is 60.44 years (2025). There are a number of volunteer work opportunities in Mali however they tend to be of a specialist nature rather than general volunteering. For example volunteer projects are always on the look out for trained health care professionals and those with experience of helping develop sustainable farming and irrigation projects. There are also some openings for work with street children who live on the streets of the country's capital city, Bamako. Below are our current listings for volunteer work in Mali.

If you run or know of a volunteer work project in Mali let us know by contacting us here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Volunteer Work Mali

Joliba Trust

The Joliba Trust works with marginalised farming and cattle raising communities in rural Mali.
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Mali DG

This project works with vulnerable and traumatized children, many of whom have lost family contact.
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Mali Medical Relief

Works to assist disadvantaged families in Mali access appropriate health care services.
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Agile International

A volunteer work project aimed at encouraging students to stay in school and continue education.
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Village Ventures

Community based volunteer work in the extremely poor villages surrounding the town of Diema in Mali.
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Tandana Foundation

Limited opportunities to live and work alongside villagers within a rural community in Mali's Dogon Country.
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Medicine for Mali

Improving lives through medical aid, education, public health, micro-finance loans and clean water.
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Mali Rising

Volunteer work to help stamp out extreme poverty in Mali by empowering Mali's kids through education.
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Your Project Here

List your volunteer work in Mali projects and opportunities here for free using the contact link here.
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Street Children

About street children in Mali in facts, figures and video together with details of projects supporting them.
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Children's Lives

About daily life for a child in Mali in information & facts with details of support projects.
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Mali Profile

For information, videos and photos of the West African country of Mali, check out our Mali pages.
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Type of Volunteer Work In Mali

There is a wide range of volunteer opportunities in Mali, catering to various skill sets and interests. Here are some of the most popular types of work:

Teaching and Education: Volunteers with a passion for education can make a significant impact by teaching English, French, or other subjects in schools, community centers, or NGOs. Many Malian children do not have access to quality education, and your skills can help bridge this gap.

Healthcare and Medical Work: Medical professionals and students can volunteer in clinics, hospitals, and rural health centers to provide essential care and support to Malians in need. This can include working with local staff, providing training, and participating in community outreach programs.

Community Development and Infrastructure: Volunteers with construction and engineering skills can contribute to community development projects, such as building schools, water wells, or sanitation facilities. These projects not only improve living conditions but also promote sustainable development.

Environmental Conservation and Sustainability: Mali is home to unique ecosystems and wildlife, and volunteers can help protect and preserve these natural treasures. Conservation projects may involve tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and environmental education.

Agriculture and Food Security: Agriculture is a vital sector in Mali, and volunteers can support local farmers by sharing knowledge, providing training, and assisting with sustainable farming practices. This can contribute to food security and improved livelihoods for rural communities.

Volunteering in Mali can be a rewarding experience, but it also presents challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and limited resources, together with ongoing instability. If you are considering undertaking a period of voluntary work in Mali check out our Mali profile pages to explore the country before you visit and learn how to make the most of your time there.