My name is Bassamba Sao, I am National Vice President with Arbonne international, Founder of Greatness Fitness. I came to the USA in August 2000 on academic and athletic scholarship. I have played my years of sports while continuing my education. My plan has always been that once I am financially independent, I will help others, and with the power of unity we all shall fulfill our purpose.
After 4 years of college in America, I went back home for the first time. It was fun and exciting, but what I saw immediately is that not much has changed since I left. The level of poverty was growing at an alarming rate, and it wasn’t hard to notice. It was heartbreaking to see children, no more than six years old, spending the whole day out near the roads begging for help for their families. In the capital city, women were walking miles and miles to get clean water for their families. If this is happening in the city, could you imagine what it may look like in rural areas?
In 2010, It was an honor to be called and elected to play for the Men’s National team of Basketball of Mali. We won and qualified for the cup of nations, yet, my heart was broken to see how the situation of the masses had gotten much worse. Something needed to be done. I knew deep inside of my heart that someone, somewhere would understand the cries of the children and the burden of all these women. So we have decided to create Meant to be, Up to Me. It’s not a handout organization, but a nonprofit with 501 c3 title to help and assist those who need a little boost until they get their lives on track to success.
A happy today and a better tomorrow.
Everyone deserves a chance at a good and happy life.
We started in Mali at first because as a child I saw many organizations helping Africa. So I have seen where the help went, and why they have not been fully successful. Charity begins at home. With many locals, we determined to change lives one family at the time. Helping children stay away from the streets, get an education, avoid the child soldier route and other consequences that could occur without help. Children are the future. A happy mother changes the dynamic for the best for a whole community. We plan to build a center where we will provide classes for universal health care for women, basic needs, and help them solidify their skills to acquire financial freedom. Each month, we are going to sponsor children based on need to receive access to education and clothing. You would be surprised to see how many children have just one outfit and no shoes. Along with that, the life expectancy in Mali is 50 years old, and fertility is nearly 7% per woman. Being a landlocked country in east Africa, more than half of the population cannot afford three meals a day. Mali is the second poorest country in the world and highly dependent on foreign help. The average skilled worker annual salary is $1,500 and half of the population lives below the international poverty line of $1.25/day. We can make a difference and we must do better.
Mali’s economy is mostly based on domestic agricultural and livestock production. Many people grow cash crops to supplement their income. The GDP per capita is estimated at $700. Mali is on the list of the ten poorest nations in the world and is included in the 37 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries. It is also heavily dependent on foreign aid, mostly from France. Mali’s economy is fragile since it is affected greatly by the climate, drought and desertification.
The primary school enrollment rate is estimated to be 50%. The completion rate is also quite low at 40%. Most students leave school by age 12. The secondary school enrollment rate is estimated to be 15%. The student to teacher ratio is about 63:1 for primary school and 29:1 for secondary school. About 2% of eligible age students are estimated to be enrolled in a higher education program. According to UN sources, the literacy rate is about 20%, which is one of the lowest rates in Africa.
Mali’s health indicators are among the worst in the world and have not improved in many years due to poverty and lack of physicians. The main diseases are malaria, leprosy, tuberculosis, intestinal diseases, cholera, pneumonia, and infectious and parasite-related diseases. Anemia, malnutrition, tetanus, and HIV/AIDS are also widespread. It is estimated that only 60% of the population has access to safe drinking water and only 70% to any sanitation services.
Social welfare services are available in urban areas. Workers are provided with retirement benefits, health care, sick and maternity leave, and other compensation. Slowly, this program is breaking down partly due to limited resources. There have been attempts by the government to improve the status of women, however many factors still limit educational and economic opportunities for women. Most women face discrimination and domestic abuse and have limited access to legal services. Child labor is also an existing issue.
Life may not always be easy and fun for most people but whenever we see an opportunity to help those in need, we shall do all that we can.
We are building a community of happy people.
Help build wells to provide clean water for the community.
We are planning to build a community and a farm where people can work, sell products, and provide for themselves as well.
We are opened to volunteers who are willing to come along for the journey and be an asset to the community.
Doctors, dentists, carpenters, teachers, philanthropists, builders, artists etc.
Republic of Mali
Bamako
French (official), Bambara, African languages
Muslim, Christian, indigenous religions
13 million (2005 est.)
480,000 square miles
~ 50 years