The Spanish contingent of the European Training Mission in Mali donates to a charity in Bamako

• Physiotherapy equipment, furniture, toys, food and hygiene items have been donated to the 'La Providence' association for children with Down's syndrome.

General Santiago J. Fernández Ortiz-Repiso, head of EUTM Mali (European Union Training Mission) presided over the donation of physiotherapy equipment, furniture, toys, food and hygiene items for the 'La Providence' association for children with Down's syndrome. All this material has been financed by the Spanish Ministry of Defence.

The event was attended by the mayor of the commune of Doumanzana, the director of the centre, Assitan Diané, various local authorities, people close to the institution and numerous children and their families.

The director of the association, Assitan Diané, expressed her gratitude to the Spanish contingent, stressing that this is not the first time that Spain has supported this organisation and others with similar aims in Mali.

After the signing of the act of handover, and before those responsible for the centre took charge of the donated material, a commemorative plaque was unveiled.

The association 'La Providence' is an institution that takes care, as a day centre, of more than 25 children affected by 'Trisomia 21', the Down's syndrome gene. Its facilities have been visited on several occasions by military members of the Spanish contingent.

In May, EUTM staff delivered food, infant formula, nappies, cleaning materials, soap, bottled water and toys. A few weeks ago, through Assitan Diané, another delivery of clothes, shoes and toys, provided by the Spanish contingent, was made to the Association d'Apuix aux Veuves, Orphelins et Démunis de Doumanzana, an association for widows and orphans.

With actions like this, the CIMIC team, representing our Armed Forces, tries to promote the economic, social and welfare development of the population, as well as to facilitate the interaction of our soldiers with the Malian society.