The U.S. Library of Congress, the Smithsonian and the Malian Government invited TEF to host a delegation of officials comprising of the Mayor of the city of Timbuktu, Ibrahima Mohammed, the President of the Regional Assembly of Timbuktu who is also the Minister of Territorial Administration, Mohamed AgLindibla and lastly, the Imam (religious leader) of the Grande Mosque of Djingarey-Ber, Imam Abderrahmane Ben Essayouti. During their almost week- long visit to the Nation's capital, TIMBUKTU EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION helped plan, coordinated meetings and dinners for these esteemed guests.

The Malian delegation was particularly encouraged with how TEF has brought about public awareness regarding the plight of the thousands of volumes of endangered manuscripts and the need for their preservation. Through TEF'S nation-wide "PRESERVE THE MANUSCRIPT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: Reviving the Past For Future Success", the Malian officials expressed that the strategy can significantly contribute not only to the preservation effort but it can also serve as a bridge that would bring about understanding and unity to African and people world wide. This approach will also resolve the problem of the failing education system in the US and the worldwide by introducing an alternative method of learning based on traditional African teaching methodology.

At this year's Folklife Festival, the Malian people joined their peers from the American and European continent to celebrate the living traditional culture of their respective countries. Over one hundred artist and artisans representing over 30 categories were present during the event. Being key participants at this event was very exciting for TEF and the Malians in general because it provided an opportunity to capitalize extensively on the on-going effort to educate the American people about African, Mali and Timbuktu. For many people in the West, Timbuktu has always been seen as a mythical place - many are unaware that Timbuktu IS AN ACTUAL PLACE. For those that do know that such a place exist, they do not know the city's actual location. With the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Timbuktu became a living reality for many Americans. A miniature scale of Timbuktu was recreated in a corner of Washington D.C.'s mall area to give those in attendance a feel and flavor of this historically rich city. Malian scholars, officials, press and a variety of ethnic groups (the Songhay, Tuareg, Fulani just to name a few) and their cultural, traditional diversities were represented. At the festival there were daily programs of music, songs, dances, arts, crafts, storytelling and other types of performances.

The Malian government made the event all the more successful with Pres. General Amadou Toumani Toure (ATT) presiding over the opening day ceremonies. At this time, Mr. Balde had several meetings with the Malian president. Pres. Toure 's tremendous encouragement, guidance and support affirmed that TEF's initiative to save the endangered manuscripts and promote their intellectual legacy is long overdue. The President also expressed his sincere appreciation to TEF for graciously hosting the high officials of Mali during their week sojourn in Washington D.C. Mr. Daniel O'C Hamilton, 2nd Secretary and Vice-consul, Director of Cultural and Public Affairs was equally honored and excited to be present at the Festival, he represented the U.S. Ambassador to Mali. Mr. Daniels who also met with TEF's president, Mr. Musa Balde, personally conveyed the US Government's recognition and appreciation to TEF for being available for the Malian delegation, who were honored guests of the United States Embassy. During this momentous occasion, Mr. Balde was introduced to several key figures from other international organizations working in the African continent; most expressed great interest in joining the efforts in protecting the manuscripts from immediate physical threats. TEF received tremendous encouragement from them saying that "this project will be the solution to many critical problems in Mali and the rest of Africa".

TEF'S collaborative work with the Library of Congress has been under way since June 16th. An exhibit and workshops on the Manuscript of Timbuktu at the Library of Congress is currently on display at the African and Middle Eastern Division of the library until mid-September. The Office of scholarly Programs of the Library of Congress featured Mr. Abdel Haidara, Curator of The Mamma Haidara Memorial Library in Timbuktu, Mali. TIMBUKTU EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION was invited to represent and discuss the efforts to preserve the desert libraries. This gained TEF significant exposure in spreading its mission nation-wide.