Solisa operates at grass-roots level and has, in addition to excellent contacts with local authorities, an extensive network of organisations which in Mali are active in long term development for the benefit of the poorest.

The director of SOLISA is the central pivot for communication between those who carry out the projects and those who will benefit. He is an important man in Mali, speaks the local language, Bambara, is at home with the culture and uses the local rituals, such as extensive discussions with village elders, chief, personnel, members of committees and representatives of the local target group. Together with the Mali Foundation, he is thus able to clarify any problems, to find a solution in co-operation with the village chief and to give information and advice.

In those areas where specialist knowledge is necessary, for example in the areas of horticulture, bilharzia and leprosy, SOLISA asks for experts via the PUM in The Hague, so that any problem is tackled as efficiently as possible.

In this way, the leprosy problem was discussed with the local organisation “Follereau Mali”, with Follereau Paris, with the Ministry of Health and with the appropriate representative of the Dutch embassy, and co-operation was organised. In addition, PUM made it possible for Professor Dr. Faber and his wife to work at the new leprosy centre, including spending 2 weeks training the personnel there.