2022
Mali | Benin | Burkina Faso
This year, Blossom Together concentrated its efforts towards three countries: Mali, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Their initiatives raised a combined total of over $50,000 in water, medical, and hunger relief. To experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a team of seven - Callahan Burton, Rachel Lee, Dylan Pierre Louis, Unoma Aguolu, Eren Okandan, Melih Kandil, and Sami Kandil - travelled overseas to Mali to oversee and assist with the projects.
Cataract Surgeries
in Bamako, Mali
Blossom Together, once again partnering up with Embrace Relief and the ophthalmology clinics on grounds in Bamako, fully funded and assisted 100 cataract surgeries and their post-surgery check-ups.
Furthermore, the team travelled into the rural regions of the country to visit local schools and villages. During their visit, they distributed several food packages to families in need and handed out candy to the joyful children.
During the week, our partners in Mali hosted the team graciously and with sincere hospitality, making sure that they enjoyed the many beauties of the country. From swimming and riding a canoe in the Niger River to riding horseback to hosting a farewell party, there was much that the Blossom Together team were grateful for.
Cruising the Niger River...
Dylan, Sami, Callahan, Unoma, and Rachel climbed a roof to get a photo with the Niger River in the background.
Farewell cake prepared by our hosts
Cruising the Niger River...
Sami, Callahan, and Dylan swim with the locals in the Niger River.
During their last day in Bamako, the hosts throw a small party to bid farewell.
The team pose with a local carrying a bowl of bananas on her head with ease.
Sami, Callahan, and Dylan swim with the locals in the Niger River.
Layover in Casablanca
The team that travelled to Mali also got to enjoy two 10-hour layovers in Casablanca, Morocco – for both their arrival flight and departure flight. Blossom Together took advantage of their networks in the North African country to get a tour of the beautiful city.
The team visited the Hasan II Mosque, the Habous Market, the beach, alongside several other spots. Our local friends were amazing, helping us get around and make the most of our time. Leaving the beach and heading to the airport, we made sure to carve a physically temporary but emotionally unforgettable note in the sand!
Water Wells in Benin
Our second project was focused on water relief in Benin, where Blossom Together funded and facilitated the construction of five water wells – each specifically located to prioritize the needs of schools and hospitals in remote areas where clean, accessible water is difficult to find.
The first well was funded in partnership with Crozet Pizza in Charlottesville, VA, who not only invited the team to hold a fundraiser at their location, but also donated a lump sum to cover the remaining amount for a well. The second well was funded in partnership with the Rotaract Club at UVA, with whom efforts were joined towards stadium cleaning fundraisers. The other three water wells were donated by individual donors, to whom our initiatives were pitched to secure contributions.
Food Packages in Burkina Faso
The third and final project of the year were the annual food packages – prepared and distributed in Burkina Faso. These packages consisted of cattle meat and were given to those in need and unable to afford the protein. Our packages were sufficient to supply the average family for several months, considering the drying process typically performed. Once again, we worked with ONG Education – our partners on ground – to execute the initiative.
