About Us

Rooted in Community.
Growing Opportunity.

Founded in 2016, the Baobab Learning Center is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) partnering with rural communities in Mali to support children, empower women, and equip young adults with tools to build stronger futures.

We believe lasting change grows from within communities—and our work is grounded in local partnership, trust, and long-term impact.

Our Story

What began as a small effort to support education in rural Mali has grown into a locally grounded organization focused on learning, opportunity, and long-term stability.

We partner closely with the communities we serve—listening first, responding thoughtfully, and building programs designed to endure.

Gallery 04 | Baobab Learning Center

Our Principles

Icon Community | Baobab Learning Center

Community-Led

We work alongside local partners to create solutions shaped by the communities we serve.

Icon Education | Baobab Learning Center

Education & Empowerment

We expand access to education and skills that help children, women, and young adults build brighter futures.

Icon Sustainable Impact | Baobab Learning Center

Sustainable Impact

We focus on long-term change by strengthening livelihoods, responsibility, and community resilience.

Programs That Strengthen Communities

Agro-Pastoral Project

We transform degraded land into productive farms while equipping women and young adults with agriculture and land-management skills that strengthen food security and climate resilience.

Center for Children | Baobab Learning Center

Center for Children

We provide a safe, supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and succeed through access to education, daily care, and essential resources.

Empowering Women | Baobab Learning Center

Empowering Women

We support women through cooperative-based programs that build skills, generate income, and strengthen families and local economies.

Supporting Young Adults | Baobab Learning Center

Educating Young Adults

We equip young adults with vocational training, mentorship, and real-world experience to help them build stable livelihoods and future opportunities.

Our Team

Our team brings together local expertise and global support, united by a shared commitment to community-led change.

Youssouf Maiga - Team Member | Baobab Learning Center

Youssouf Maiga

Strategic Program Advisor

Rachel Sanou - Team Member | Baobab Learning Center

Rachel Sanou

Baobab Learning Center Manager

Joseph Thera

Senior Education, Training, & Community Development Specialist

Paul Thera - Team Member | Baobab Learning Center

Paul Thera

Agro-Pastoral Teaching Garden Manager

Board of Directors

Baobab Learning Center is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction in support of our mission.

Mariama Thera

President and CEO

View Bio >

Allen Jackson

Board Member

View Bio >

David Berry

Chairman of the Board

View Bio >

Janet Kerley

Advisor to the Board

View Bio >

Margie Ferris Morris

Advisor to the Board

View Bio >

Our Impact

A snapshot of how our programs are supporting children, women, and young adults.

0+

Children

Provided food, clothing, school supplies, tutoring, and skill-building activities. Additional children reached through community events.

0+

Women

Trained in entrepreneurship, shea butter production, and supported through microfinance. Additional women reached through public programs.

0+

Young Adults

Trained in job skills, citizenship, health, agriculture, and extremism prevention. Additional young adults reached through public forums.

Hundreds more children, women, and young adults are reached through community trainings in skills development, entrepreneurship, community safety, and environmental stewardship. Our radio program reaches thousands more.

Your generosity helps communities grow from within.

Help build brighter futures.