In Dioulafoundou, Mali, a new chapter in education has begun—one built on opportunity, safety, and hope.
As part of its commitment to responsible mining and community development, B2Gold Mali has delivered a new school to the community of Dioulafoundou, located on the Menankoto South permit area of B2Gold Mali’s Fekola Complex, helping improve access to quality education and create a safer, more supportive learning environment for students.
A Celebration of Community and Progress
The school was officially inaugurated on April 12, 2026, in a vibrant ceremony led by Fekola Complex General Manager, Dan Clark, alongside the Village Chief, community leaders, and representatives from the national education system.
The event was a true celebration—filled with traditional songs, dances, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude—as the community came together to welcome this important milestone.
A Space Designed for Learning
Constructed at a cost of approximately FCFA 44 million (USD $84,000), the new Dioulafoundou School includes:
- Three classrooms built to national standards
- A block of three latrines
- A 322-metre perimeter fence to ensure safety
More than just infrastructure, the school provides a secure and inspiring environment where students can focus on learning and building their future.
Investing in Education Across the Region
This project is part of a broader commitment to education in the Menankoto South area. Between 2023 and 2025, B2Gold Mali invested approximately FCFA 170 million (USD $325,000) in educational initiatives across nearby communities, including Manankoto, Tintikabani, Selou, Gonou, and Dioulafoundou.
At the opening ceremony, Dan Clark said, “These investments are especially important in regions where artisanal mining can sometimes draw young people away from school. By strengthening education infrastructure, B2Gold is helping create alternatives—supporting students to stay in school and pursue long-term opportunities.”
“Through initiatives like this, B2Gold Mali continues to demonstrate that responsible mining is about more than resource development—it’s about investing in people, strengthening communities, and helping shape a brighter future for generations to come.”
Building Partnerships Before Production
Although mining operations have not yet begun in the Menankoto South permit area, B2Gold Mali is already working closely with communities to build strong, lasting relationships by supporting short-term initiatives and objectives.
The new school in Dioulafoundou is more than a building—it’s a foundation for growth, learning, and possibility. By investing early in projects like education, the Company is laying the groundwork for a partnership rooted in trust, shared value, and sustainable development.