Roamba, Daoda

Daoda is about 6 years old in this photo, taken in July 2008.  His father died in 2006, leaving his wife with Daoda and his newborn brother Harouna who is going on 2.  They are living in their grandparent’s courtyard where 2 of Mom’s sisters are also living.  The two sisters are in school.  Daoda is of age to start school but because of his size, they will probably wait until next year. 

The family works together to cultivate a field of millet (including the grandparents).  There is no other work or source of income.  They manage to pay school fees with what they can sell of their crop. 

This family lives on the outskirts of the town of Yako.  Their house is in decent condition, but the courtyard walls are crumbling.