I work for Management Systems International (MSI), an international development firm with programs in over 60 countries around the world.

This is Assetu. She lives in Mali, and she's my client.

This is Assetu's son, Amadou.

Amadou's a curious boy.

He's just learning how to walk...

but already Assetu has big hopes and dreams for him.

The MSI project I work on in Mali is called the Shared Governance Program, and it’s funded by USAID. It’s helping women like Assetu get involved in local government decision-making so that they can have a better life.

The Shared Governance Program is training Assetu in public speaking in order to build her confidence. That way she can become a better advocate for issues that are important in her village in Mali.

Amadou is welcome at the training. He's a good listener.

He's a good napper, too.

Assetu says that the training is helping her feel more confident about speaking in front of a group. That is a good thing because she has important ideas to share.

I think Amadou's secretly pleased about the training, too.

To learn more about MSI and the Shared Governance Program, please visit www.msiworldwide.com.