Introduction / History

There are an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 Deaf in Mali. The relatively large number of Deaf is probably caused by meningitis.

Malian Sign Language is being taken over by American Sign Language, introduced to West Africa by the Deaf American missionary Andrew Foster.

Where Are they Located?

Deaf in Mali are largely concentrated in high population areas, especially in the capital Bamako, where there is the greatest access to opportunities for the community.

What Are Their Needs?

"The greatest challenge among the deaf of Mali is that the population is not gathered into a central area. Additionally, education and interpretation for the deaf is extremely limited, even in churches with deaf members.

Those preparing ministry among the deaf must be willing to travel to many strategic locations within Mali. Communication with and working through the various associations is essential and will prove beneficial in organizing special gatherings of the deaf populations.

Christian resources available include complete Bible, tracts and Scripture portions." (from the subsaharanafricanpeoples website)

Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Mali.

References

http://subsaharanafricanpeoples.imb.org/explore/view/deaf -profile
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Mali
The Sign Language Situation in Mali, Victoria Nyst
http://www.academia.edu/8250883/Sign_Languages_in_West_Africa
http://www.lingref.com/cpp/acal/43/paper2957.pdf
http://web.csulb.edu/~lemaster/Africa%20/AF%20Mali.pdf