Sankara, Bintou

Bintou was about 12 years old at the time of our visit in January (her mom was not at all sure about her age). Bintou’s father died 3 years ago of diabetes leaving Mom to take care of 3 children (2 other children are married and 1 died). Bintou is the only one of the children attending school.

The family lives in the village of Zinigma, just outside of Yako. They live alone in a small courtyard in a mud-brick house that is not in good condition. There is no electricity and they draw their water from a nearby well. They have 1 goat, but no other animals.

Mom cultivates millet with her children and also sells some potassium to get a little bit of money. There are no relatives or anyone else that is helping to support the family. At the time of our visit they were in good health.