New: Children's Book! See below
Protecting Dogon cultural heritage may be a dream unless the economic survival of Dogon communities is assured through sustainable development projects.
- Isïae Dougnon, Fordham University
The Dogon people are known for their unique and amazing cultural traditions such as their mask dances, music, drumming, and fabrics. They live along the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Cliffs of Bandiagara. Dogon communities once flourished as they became a popular tourist destination, but this ended over 10 years ago when jihadist conflict came to their villages.
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Approximately 43.4% of the population in Mali lives below the national poverty line, with even higher rates in rural areas like Dogon Country. Access to basic services like clean water, sanitation, and education is extremely limited(World Bank, 2020).
Around 350,000 people in Mali are displaced due to violence. The conflict in the central region of Mali (which includes Dogon Country), has contributed significantly to this crisis (UNHCR, 2020).
The villages we work with are some of the few that still maintain cultural traditions such as the Dama.
Education and the sustainable development of local economies are the only hope for the survival of the Dogon culture.
OUR STORY
Dogon Dreams is in partnership with the Malian Association for Education, Health, and Sustainable Development and the local women's collective. We support Dogon villages on their path toward sustainable development.
We champion:
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gender equality
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children's health
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educational access for all
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economic empowerment
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preserving culture while developing sustainably
Our vision extends to a regenerative food forest project, aimed at enhancing the villages' well-being and independent resourcing.
“When children learn about the lived realities of diverse peoples—not as relics of the past but as dynamic communities—they develop empathy, respect, and the skills needed to navigate an interconnected world.”
- Dr. Louise Derman-Sparks, anti-bias education pioneer
Take a journey to the heart of Dogon Country, Mali & help children build a better world!
“How We Hold the World” is a story of culture, connection, and carrying the World Together
What does it mean to hold the world as Ama, the Dogon creator god does?
For sisters Yene and Nema, walking to school along the cliffs of Bandiagara, Mali, it means carrying memories, stories, and the love of their ancestors. Through laughter, shared traditions, and questions about change, the sisters navigate the richness of Dogon life—a place where mosques, churches, and ancient lifeways exist side by side.
Centering the voices of children within their own cultural context, “Ama Means Hold” invites readers to explore cultural complexity, resilience, and pluralism. It shows how communities honor both tradition and change, and how small hands—and hearts—help hold the world together.
Profits go towards supporting education, women’s independence, and sustainable development in Dogon Country. This book was produced in collaboration with Isïae Dougnon (a Fordham University Professor who grew up in Dogon Country) and culture bearers living in the specific villages of Dogon Country that these profits support.
Click the button below to be notified when the printed book is ready to order!
Our Programs
Donations* currently support:
*If you choose to donate, you can let us know what you prefer your donation to go towards or you can leave it up to us!
Every bit goes a long way!
As a volunteer-based organization, all funds go directly to support those who need it.
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Educational supplies for vulnerable children (orphans, displaced children, girls)
Recurring micro-credits for women's business start-ups
Crisis needs such as food and blankets
Who Are "We"?
Dogon Dreams is a cross-continental collaboration founded by Gédéon Guindo (Mali) and Jacqueline King-Presant (USA). Mr Guindo, a teacher and outreach officer works through his association, The Malian Association for Education, Health, and Sustainable Development in collaboration with his community to assess needs, develop programs, and execute solutions. Ms King-Presant, also an educator, works to raise funds, work with partners and administrate the project. Ms Nwakanma also helps administrate the project and bring it to life. There are others involved in Africa, Europe, and North America.
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