Bamako, Mali - The Chief Executive Officer of Plan International, Nigel Chapman, will embark on a working visit to Mali from Wednesday, the NGO’s country office in Mali told PANA here. During his stay, Chapman will be received in audience by Malian President, Amadou Toumani Touré, with whom he will address issues concerning children. According to officials of Plan-Mali, Chapman will travel to Sanambélé, a village located about 60 kilometres from the capital, Bamako, where he will be the guest of a public radio programme for children entitled 'Kidwaves' or 'Denmiseno Kunkan,' the Voices of Children in the national bambara language.

The programme will focus on the situation of children's rights and sponsorship.

He will later go to Bogoula, not far from Bamako, where he will meet with members of the children’s government and visit a few facilities aimed at promoting children’s rights, including a library, health and sports facilities.

Chapman is also expected to appear before the Malian children's Parliament on the themes 'Learning Without Fear' and 'Because I am a girl'.

Plan International is a London-based child-centred international community development organization.

It is working with communities in 49 developing countries to alleviate child poverty. Child sponsorship is the main source of funding for the organization which is present in 70 countries in Africa, Asia, America and Europe.

It began operations in Mali in 1976.

Pana 13/07/2011