100+ Changemakers & Growing
Alumni of international scholarship and exchange programmes, professionals, teachers, students and pupils — united by one goal: mastering English and transforming Mali.
100+
100+ members
3+
Years Running
200+
weekly sessions since 2022
Open to all
All levels welcome
A diverse & inclusive community
Scholarship alumni, professionals, teachers, students and pupils — all united by English
Guided by passion, driven by community
The club is run by volunteers and led collectively: the same team leads the association and the club.
Mahamadou KANE
Founder & Secretary General
Mahamadou KANE founded Big Hope Mali on 23 November 2022, channeling a lifelong passion for English language education into a structured weekly club that has grown into a community of more than 100 members. As the club's initiator, he shaped its learning structure and continues to guide its educational vision. He serves as Founder & Secretary General of Big Hope Mali English Club and Secretary General of Djigui-Ba-Mali, and represented Big Hope Mali at MECC for one year, strengthening the club's visibility and voice. He completed the U.S. Department of State's OPEN course "Professional Development for Teacher Trainers" (Arizona State University, 2023) and has taught English from pre-school and primary to university level since 2017. He is a Fulbright Scholar, holds an MBA from the University of Florida (2026), is PMP® certified (PMI), holds a Master's in Management of Projects and Organizations from TechnoLAB-ISTA, and a Bachelor's in Financial Sciences and Accounting (FSEG, Bamako). Admitted to a PhD in Construction Management (University of Florida), starting August 2027.
Setigui Famakan DEMBÉLÉ
President & Chairman (since November 2022)
Setigui Famakan DEMBÉLÉ has served as President & Chairman of Big Hope Mali since its founding in November 2022. A true pioneer of the club, he was part of the original group that chose English as the shared language of dialogue long before the club had a formal identity — a commitment he has upheld ever since. During the club's most difficult moments, when sessions risked coming to a halt, his personal courage and relentless outreach kept the community alive: he continued to invite and rally members, ensuring weekly sessions never stopped. He also contributed to the club's founding documentation. Professionally, he is a Civil Servant and Foreign Affairs Counsellor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, a graduate of ENA with a Master's in International Public Law, and has received international diplomatic training in Turkey and India. As Chairman, he presides over every Saturday session and closes each gathering with the beloved family photo tradition.
Mamadou FADIGA
Vice President & Head of Curriculum (since November 2022)
Mamadou FADIGA has been Vice President of Big Hope Mali since the club's founding in November 2022 and is the person most responsible for the weekly session schedule. As chief moderator, he has guided the majority of sessions from day one — building the official weekly template the club uses, choosing debate topics, conversation themes, and vocabulary workshops, and keeping every session organized and consistent. He has also represented the club at MECC for more than a year and served as Secretary of Information at MECC for one year, strengthening his communication and leadership experience. Beyond his role at Big Hope Mali, he is a Web & Mobile Developer certified by Orange Digital Center, a Computer Science teacher at multiple high schools in Bamako, and also teaches Biology, Physics, and Chemistry at the secondary level. Holder of a License in Computer Science Management from ESCAE, he brings technical expertise and deep educational commitment to the club's leadership.
What Our Members Say
Authentic voices from our community — students, teachers, and professionals.
Rokiatou K.
Student
Club member
“Big Hope Mali gave me the confidence to speak English in class and in job interviews. Every Saturday session pushes me to grow.”
Simdo
High School English Teacher
Club member
“The structured sessions helped me improve my teaching methods and English fluency simultaneously. I recommend this club to every educator.”
Kadidiatou T.
University Student
Club member
“The Saturday sessions are the highlight of my week. The community is warm, the learning is real, and the progress is visible. I went from barely speaking to presenting in English.”
Become a member today
Join a community of 100+ members. Open and welcoming. All levels welcome — short placement test.