Due to the large population of the deaf community in Mali, the Malian government created initiatives to address educational opportunities for deaf students.[1] In 1993, Bala Keita created the EDA or École pour les défients auditifs in Bamako which provides special education to deaf Malians.[8] In the past three decades, Sikasso, Koutiala, Ségou, and Douentza saw an increase in schools for the deaf due to figures such as Dramane Diabaté and Dominique Pinsonneault.[8] One example of a school for the deaf is Jigiya Kalanso.[8]