Sawadogo, Boris

Boris is about 11 years old as of November 2008.  They were living in the country of Ivory Coast when his father died, leaving his wife and 3 children.  Boris was just a baby at the time.  The war began in Ivory Coast and many people, including Boris’ Mother and children flew to Burkina Faso.  She no longer had family in Ivory Coast to help support her; but she does have some extended family in Burkina.  They were able to live with one of these families in a small village just a short time until they were forced to move to Yako – the extended family had no means to care for them and there are better opportunities for begging and finding odd jobs in Yako.  Extended family did accept to raise one of Boris’ sisters, but the others would have to manage for themselves.  He has 2 older sisters – they are now about 16 and 18 years of age.  The 16-year old is still with Boris and his mother.

A few years ago, Boris’ mother, desperate to have someone help care for the family took in another man.  She became pregnant, the man flew, and she now has a 2-year old to raise as well.

Mom manages by walking through town and finding people whose clothes she can wash for less than $1 a load.  She is also very hard of hearing, so when we visit, Boris is accustomed to translating loudly for her.  They have no electricity or animals.  But, the good news is, they did find a place to live – we’re not sure what she does for rent. 

We first met Boris when his mother came and begged us to pay for him to go to school.  He is now in his 3rd year of school.  He does okay, but the discipline at home is lacking so his attendance is not good.