Heidelberg resident Brigitte Mitsch-Coulibaly: Federal Cross of Merit for Children's Aid!

Heidelberg resident Brigitte Mitsch-Coulibaly: Federal Cross of Merit for Children's Aid!

On July 21, 2025, Brigitte Mitsch-Coulibaly from Heidelberg was awarded the prestigious Federal Cross of Merit. The celebrations took place on July 17th in the Hall of Mirrors of the Prinz Carl building in Heidelberg, where the first mayor Jürgen Odszuck presented the honor. Mitsch-Coulibaly was honored for her outstanding contributions to the living conditions of the people in the West African village of Farakala in Mali. For over three decades she has campaigned primarily for the well-being of children.

In 1997, Mitsch-Coulibaly founded the non-profit association “School for Farakala/Mali e. V.” the foundation for numerous initiatives. As first chairwoman, she still leads the association today and made a significant contribution to the construction of a primary school in Farakala, which was built between 1999 and 2003 with six classrooms. 700 to 1,000 children are now taught here by ten teachers who learn from first to sixth grade.

Education and health in focus

But Mitsch-Coulibaly didn't just support the education sector. The association made it possible to build a middle school that ensures school attendance up to the ninth grade. The aim was to give the children in Farakala access to education and thus significantly improve their future prospects. Their commitment is also evident in the fight against high infant and child mortality: nurses were trained in 2004 and 2005, and in 2007 the association opened a health station that ensures basic medical care.

In spring 2013, construction began on an additional health center that offers regular medical care, a vaccination station and an ambulance. Farakala now has a small hospital and a pharmacy, which has sustainably improved health care for the population.

Comprehensive development projects

Under Mitsch-Coulibaly's leadership, the association has launched many other projects, including improving electrical supply, building grain mills and implementing solar energy. The drinking water supply was also significantly improved, and in times of famine the association was able to help with food deliveries. Further projects are currently planned, such as the completion of a solar drinking water supply and the construction of a high school in Farakala.

In order to support their work and further promote the positive development in Farakala, the association “Schule für Farakala/Mali e.V.” an important player who has earned a permanent place in the hearts of many people, not only over the last few decades. In addition to all of these magnificent achievements, the award of the Federal Cross of Merit shows how much appreciation and recognition Brigitte Mitsch-Coulibaly's commitment deserves.

Those interested can find out more information about the association's projects on the Helpdirect website.