Léo

Association Léo is a volunteer-led French association founded in 1999 to improve the lives of abandoned children with disabilities in Bamako, Mali. Named after the first orphan it supported, the association works to address the challenges these children face because of both orphanhood and disability. It collaborates with Malian authorities and local organisations, while respecting the children’s culture and community.

Association Léo funds care and educational support delivered by local professionals, including educators, a physiotherapist and a psychiatrist. Activities include regular physiotherapy, psychomotricity and education sessions, medical consultations, schooling, play and teaching activities, as well as leisure and cultural outings. The association also supports family placements through local partners. Children are cared for at Bamako’s Centre d’Accueil et de Placement Familial, a public centre for abandoned children.

Donations and child sponsorship help cover therapeutic and educational costs; the association lists monthly support of 22 euros for education and 41 euros for therapy per child. Its aim is to make daily life less difficult and help children build a better future.