As part of its ongoing efforts to promote self-reliance and improve the quality of care for orphans, Direct Aid has launched a new vocational initiative in Mali focused on the local production of leather footwear and goods.
The initiative is being implemented through the Vocational Center for Leather and Footwear Manufacturing, which operates on two main tracks:
- Production: Aimed at manufacturing high-quality, locally made leather shoes as a sustainable alternative to plastic footwear.
- Training and Capacity Building: Focused on equipping older orphans with practical skills in leather craftsmanship, enabling them to access decent employment and build a livelihood.
This project aligns with Direct Aid’s financial sustainability strategy, which seeks to ensure that the center covers its operational costs and generates a surplus that can be reinvested into improving the services provided to orphans across its facilities.
The workshop is currently in the process of securing official licensing from the Malian authorities. In the meantime, a pilot production phase is underway, showcasing sample products in preparation for a full market launch—both to local markets and Direct Aid’s own care centers—once all legal permissions are obtained.
By replacing plastic-based products with locally crafted leather alternatives, Direct Aid reinforces its commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly development that supports vulnerable communities through practical, long-term solutions.