Ouedraogo, Erve

Erve was about 7 years old at the time of our visit in March 2009 (Mom wasn’t sure if he was 6 or 7). Erve has 1 younger sibling and 2 older siblings, the oldest of which is about 16.  They live with their Mom in the village of Nabengya. Erve’s father is mentally challenged (although he hasn’t always been this way) and lives with other family in the town of Yako, so Mom is raising the children alone.

Erve is in his first year of school.  The older siblings are also in primary school.  The oldest, Norago will graduate to junior high next year if she passes the entrance exam.  However, tuition increases from $5/year for primary school to $75-125/year for junior high; so without sponsorship support, it’s unlikely she will be able to continue. 

Mom cultivates millet with the help of the kids. They have no other source of income and no family members helping them out.

They have no electricity and draw their water from the nearby well. They own one donkey and one goat. Their house is in average condition. At the time of our visit they were all in good health.