Roamba, Samuel

Samuel was about 12 years old at the time of our visit in January 2012.  His father died in 2002 from an unknown illness, leaving his wife, 4 boys and a girl.  Three of the children, including Samuel are still with her.  Two of the boys are living with an aunt in another town several hours away to help ease the load.  Samuel is the youngest and the oldest is about 18.

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 this new husband hasn’t been around for a while; so I’m assuming he is not much help.  Two of the children, Samuel and his sister Pelagie are in school.  Pelagie is in her 9th year.  The other brother, Felix was in school up until this past year.  he injured his leg, but they're not able to find the cause.  He left school because he is often in pain and walks with a crutch.   

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.