Organization
Union Malienne des Aveugles(UMAV)
UMAV is Mali's national association for blind and visually impaired people, founded in 1972 and operating three Braille schools in Bamako, Gao, and Segou alongside vocational workshops and an optical clinic. A World Blind Union member, it promotes welfare and equal opportunity for blind Malians.
About
Originally founded in September 1972 as the Association Malienne pour la Promotion et la Sauvegarde des Aveugles (AMPSA) and renamed UMAV in 1984, the union operates a main campus in Bamako with a Braille primary school, secondary school, optical clinic, sound library, and vocational workshops, plus affiliated schools in Gao and Segou.
What They Do
UMAV provides Braille-based primary and secondary education, vocational training in income-generating activities including chalk and mat production, optical care services, and advocacy for equal opportunity in Mali's development programmes. As a World Blind Union member, it represents blind Malians in national and international forums.
Who They Serve
Blind and visually impaired children and adults across Mali, from school-age learners needing Braille education to working-age adults seeking vocational skills, optical care, and economic independence.
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