The world-renowned nonuplets from Mali are preparing to begin school, marking another milestone in a journey that has continued to inspire millions since their extraordinary birth in 2021. After celebrating their fifth birthday, the nine children are now stepping into a new phase of life—one filled with learning, growth, and everyday childhood experiences.
The children—five girls and four boys—celebrated the special occasion with their parents, Halima Cissé and Abdelkader Arby, alongside their older sister. For the family, it was not just a birthday celebration, but a reminder of how far they have come since those early uncertain days.
Speaking about their progress, Cissé shared that the children are healthy, energetic, and full of life. She explained that starting school is the next big step, and as parents, they are focused on balancing education with allowing the children to enjoy a normal, happy childhood.
Their story first captured global attention when they were born prematurely at just 30 weeks via Caesarean section in Casablanca. Due to the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, the Malian government arranged for specialised care abroad, a decision that proved crucial to their survival.
At birth, each baby weighed between 0.5kg and 1kg, requiring intensive medical care. The children spent their first nine months in Morocco under close supervision before finally returning home to Mali, stronger and healthier. Their survival was later recognised by Guinness World Records as the only known surviving set of nonuplets.
Despite the uniqueness of their situation, their mother says the children share a strong bond and live like any other siblings—playing together, occasionally disagreeing, but always showing care and unity. Each child has also developed a distinct personality, making their home lively and full of character.
Experts have described their survival as one of the rarest achievements in modern medicine, as pregnancies involving so many babies rarely result in all surviving. Their journey has become a symbol of resilience, hope, and what is possible with the right medical support and determination.
Now, as they prepare to enter school together, their parents remain focused on giving them as normal a life as possible. Even with global attention still surrounding them, the goal is simple—to raise happy children who can grow, learn, and dream like every other child.