Roamba, Samuel

Samuel was about 8 years old at the time of our visit in August of 2008.  His father died in 2002 from an unknown illness, leaving his wife, 4 boys and a girl.  Four of the children, including Samuel are still with her.  One of the boys is living with his Aunt in another town to help ease the load.  Samuel is the youngest and the oldest is about 15.

Samuel’s mother has remarried.  It’s very unusual here for the new husband to allow the woman to keep her children from a previous marriage.  But, we’re told he hasn’t been around for a year; so I’m assuming he has abandoned them.  Fortunately, all four of the children are in school.  Two of them were scheduled to start junior high this year which is very expensive at an average of $90/year compared to primary school tuition which is $5/year. 

This family lives in a small village called SongNaba.  They live in a mud brick hut with a tole roof.  One of their grandmothers lives with them as well.  Mom farms a field of millet each year with the help of her children.  She also prepares the local beer called ‘dolo’ during the dry season to help generate some income.