Laura Bush listens to students during class at the Nelson Mandela Primary School Complex in Bamako, Mali, June 29. The school uses USAID-sponsored teacher training via radio, “Formation des Enseignants par la Radio” (FIER). The program, which comes under the AEI, supports innovative applications of technology for teacher training and works with more than 700 schools in Mali.

Bush remarked on the “strong friendship” between the United States and Mali that allowed cooperation on education, health and development projects. “As a former teacher and librarian, I especially appreciate President and Mrs. Toure’s commitment to the education of all the citizens of Mali,” she said. (White House photo/Shealah Craighead)