There were various interviews with her in Mali, this one comes from "La Province" (24/02/2005)
"Mathilde: "I adore Africa""
The princess will remember the warmth of the people of Mali, the dignity and courage of the women.
Yesterday Mathilde ended her mission in Mali. Before taking the plane to Brussels she agreed to give us an interview.
>Which memories will you keep from this travel?
M: "The very warm welcome of the people. I felt a lot of humanity. I visited very interesting projects. I will keep an excellent memory of this visit to Mali. It certainly won't be the last time I've been here."
>Are you thinking of coming back with prince Philippe?
M: "Yes. I'll come back with him to show him this country that's touched me deeply."
>What surprised you most here in Mali?
M: "I was able to talk very openly with the president of Mlai about the condition of women in his country, about genital mutilations that he's trying to stop. And what especially touched me is the problem of the education. An educated woman with children has more chances. She can more easily bring up her own children, who will be living in in more favorable conditions when it comes to their health care. And also, when it comes to microcredit, the women I met and who made me realize how much their lives have changed because of it, this project brings hope."
>What has the contact with the women of Mali tought you?
M: " They have a lot of dignity. With an incredibale courage they fulfill the masses of very important work that still have to be done during the day: They have to walk for miles to get water, wood etc. Very impressive."
>You were very well prepared before you left for Mali. Is their something here that still was a real discovery?
M: "Yes: the human warmth, the contact with people. For instance, Ousmane Sy, who will receive the prize of the King Baudouin Fund. He does great efforts for his country. His fight against poverty is a miracle. I learnt so much by meeting people, and what particularly struck me was the very relaxed way of life people have here. It's very communicatif."
>Can you compare this trip with the one you made to Niger last year?
M: "I can't compare it because each country has its own caracteristics. I keep a unique memory of Niger. It are two poor countries that are doing everything they can to get out of their difficult situation. The Belgian cooperation helps a great deal. For instance the projects we visited yesterday: building a well in a village changes people's lives radically."
>Are you thinking making a next trip to Africa?
M: "It's too early to tell. But I adore Africa..."
>Once you're back in Belgium, you will no doubt be telling your children about this mission?
M: "Of course, in simple words. I will show them the objects I received, and through that, I will try to explain them the mission. My daughter is 3 years old so she knows where I am. But my little boy is 1,5 years old and it will no doubt be harder to explain him.
> What's your favorite gift among the ones you received?
M: "I really can't chose, every gift was one from the heart."
>Last year, in Niger, you received a horse...
M: "Yes, that didn't happen this year. Luckily, I would say, because if we would heve taken it home, we would have to leave all our lugage behind..."