WaterAid colleague receives Mali 'MBE' award

WaterAid's Fatoumata with the President of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure.

Credit: Charlie Bibby/FT

3 February 2009

The President of Mali has recognised the work of WaterAid colleague Fatoumata Haidara by awarding her with a prestigious Chevalier de L'Ordre National - Mali's equivalent to the British MBE honour.

The award, which was given to Fatoumata on 19 January after a successful third Local Millennium Development Goals Initiative conference in Mali, notes WaterAid's contribution to the water and sanitation sector in improving access to water, sanitation and improved hygiene for poor and marginalised citizens.

This award will also contribute to WaterAid's growing credibility in the sector.

Speaking about the honour, Fatoumata said that she was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the organisation as recognition of the impact that WaterAid has had in Mali.

"I am very pleased that my team's work has been recognised at a high level and I believe this will motivate us to continue with our dedicated work," she commented. "This award will also contribute to WaterAid's growing credibility in the sector."

In a letter to WaterAid's Chief Executive, Barbara Frost, Fatoumata expressed her thanks for the clear and supportive guidance she has received, which she believes have been critical to this achievement.

"Alongside your continuing support, the contributions and insights you were able to provide on your visits helped us to ensure that we continue to improve on our work," she wrote.

Other WaterAid supporters honoured this year include: Doug Muncey from Woodford Green MBE, Les Dawson from Suffolk OBE, and Dennis Addly from Milton of Culloden, who has also been given special recognition for his work for WaterAid.

Note to editors

WaterAid's programme in Mali began in 2000 and it now works with seven partner organisations providing water, sanitation and hygiene support to communities in five out of Mali's eight regions. To date, WaterAid have helped nearly 60,000 people gain access to clean water and sanitation, for more information visit the Mali country programme site.

For more information please contact Brenda Mcilwraith on +44(0)20 7793 4995 or by email at brendamcilwraith@wateraid.org. Alternatively contact Abdourahmane Coulibaly, Communication and Campaigns Officer, Mali, via email at acoulibaly@wateraid-mli.org.