At SMArts Segou Inc. we are big fans of the late Ali Farka Toure--certainly, for his gift of music to the world--but also, for his dedication to local culture and organic agriculture.  We endorse his vision by assisting the Ali Farka Touré Foundation with fundraising efforts.  SMArts is offering two shirts designed exclusively for the Foundation, with proceeds going to the Ali Farka Touré Foundation.  

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100% Organic Fair Trade Cotton - Images taken at the 2005 Festival sur le Niger- Available in Natural only, non-toxic water-based inks  with amazing detail.  The Foundation Logo is on every shirt purchased through SMArts. Go to SHOP for more details about this product.

Price per shirt            $ 35.00  CAD

The followng is an excerpt taken from an interview with Ali Farka Toure in 2005 about his Foundation:  "It's for the whole of Niafounke area which is very large.  This area is three times the size of France, three times!  Mali is so big, you can't work for the whole country, but everyone has to do this part to help improve.  It's for this reason that we have this Foundation".  He goes on to explain the work planned:  "A large part of the Foundation is to help and support.  It's for young musicians as well as the next generation in the areas of education, health, water.  We are going to go to one village and make a well, or go to another and build a dispensary."

For more information about the Foundation or to send a donation please go to www.foundationalifarkatoure.org

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We believe that culture is a gateway to deeper concern for others.  Mali is rich with talent.  It is our privilege to assist in creating opportunities for greater exposure of it.