Moussa in Burkina Faso

We began corresponding with Moussa in February 2018. I will update this post as we hear from him.

We not have received any letters from Moussa, but we do have a country director's letter. His birthday is May 24.

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Project Info and Activities:

Moussa attends BF-225 near Fada
* Home to approximately 10,000 residents
* Most common work is work is animal herding, day laboring, market trading, street vending, subsistence farming, or domestic services
* Average earning is $20 a month
* Regional Diet: bananas, beans, bread, cereal, chicken, fish, maize, pork, potatoes, rice & sorghum
* Common Health Problems: malaria, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, meningitis
* Typical Houses: dirt floors, mud walls, wood roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, health screenings and education, supplemental food, HIV/AIDS testing, special celebrations, community service opportunities, career guidance, mentorship programs and vocational training.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: listening to Bible stories, playing games, singing songs, group games, hide-and-seek


To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Hinkiba in Burkina Faso

We began corresponding with Hinkiba in February 2018. I will update this post as we hear from her.

We not have received any letters from Hinkiba, but we do have a country director's letter. Her birthday is July 28.

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Project Info and Activities:

Hinkiba attends BF-480 near Passakongo
* Home to approximately 3,500 residents
* Most common work is work is animal herding, subsistence farmers, or market trading, although majority is unemployed
* Average earning is $10 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans, chicken, guinea pig, bread, rice, millet
* Common Health Problems: malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections
* Typical Houses: dirt floors, mud or dirt walls, tin or thatched roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, medical checkups, health education, nutritious food, group activities, games choir and music classes.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: dolls, group games, hide-and-seek


To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Sophie in Burkina Faso

We began corresponding with Sophie in February 2018. I will update this post as we hear from her.

We not have received any letters from Sophie, but we do have a country director's letter. Her birthday is March 22.

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Project Info and Activities:

Sophie attends BF-109 near Pissy
* Home to approximately 180,900 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is Mooré
* Most common work is work is day laboring, although majority is unemployed
* Average earning is $20 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans, chicken, guinea pig, fish, bread, beef, rice, potatoes & millet
* Common Health Problems: malaria, meningitis, skin diseases, typhoid fever
* Typical Houses: dirt floors, adobe walls, corrugated iron roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, hygiene education, community service opportunities, social clubs and tuition.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: learning about God, spending time with friends, playing games, dolls, group games, singing, story telling, math


To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Country Director's Letter: Burkina Faso

Today's letter is from Burkina Faso, where we correspond with Fatao. The original letter and photo can be found here.

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Dear Friend,

I am Palamanga Ouali, Country Director of Compassion International Burkina Faso for more than seven years. I am married to Liliane, and the Lord has blessed us with three children: Yolanda, Jessica and Michael. My family and I love the Lord, and we worship in a local church in Ouagadougou, the capital city.

The ministry of Compassion International started in Burkina Faso in 2004. We partner with more than 240 local churches to provide holistic child development, care and discipleship to more than 70,000 registered children through the sponsorship program and more than 460 mother-child pairs through the survival program.

I am elated to express my heartfelt gratitude for your commitment to break the poverty chain in the life of your sponsored child in Burkina Faso. Usually, poverty is a crucial lack of opportunity, and your sponsorship is offering a unique opportunity to your sponsored child to be released from poverty, and to be loved, cared for and full of hope for a brighter future. I am so grateful.

The child development center is a safe haven where registered children are nurtured and have the privilege to hear and learn about the love of Jesus Christ. As a result, many lives are being transformed. Children’s specific needs are being met, including food, health care, medical care, school fees, tutoring, vocational and life-skills training, etc.

Burkina Faso’s population is about 19.5 million. Almost half of the population lives below the poverty line, living on less than US$307 per person per year. The country remains vulnerable to economic shocks due to rainfall variations and unemployment. These challenges are more appalling for children, because their welfare is threatened by malnutrition, child labor, sickness, etc. The need is enormous, and sponsorship comes as a valuable support to many lives.

More than 45 percent of children are not educated, despite commendable efforts to mitigate the situation and promote gender equality in school. Almost half of the children are compelled to work to support the family. Many boys work on cotton plantations and mining sites under tough conditions. The girls may work as maidservants in richer families, where they are sometimes beaten, raped or abused. In the northern localities with dreadfully dry climates, some families are devoted to gold mining. About 10,000 children are forced to work in the terrifyingly dangerous mining environment in Burkina Faso.

Yet there is still room to dream for a country that will soon be positively influenced and transformed by a rising generation of leaders who are being equipped in Compassion centers to overcome these challenges. This past year, in some centers, we recorded 100 percent success for the A-level exam.

The words of encouragement sent through letters help children so much. The sponsor’s relationship with the child builds confidence in the child’s life. Children who receive letters feel happy and loved, while others are longing to read something from their sponsors.

Please pray for the holistic child development and the discipleship of your child and for your sponsored child to remain in the program and be successful in school. Children need both financial and spiritual support. Pray for our church partners, the field office and, last but not least, pray for peace and safety in Burkina Faso.

Your sponsorship is making a difference in the life of your sponsored child, as well as in the entire family. We could not make it without your precious help. I pray our Heavenly Father to pour His massive blessings over you and your family. We are grateful to you, and we pray that the Lord continues to bless you and keep you safe.

Sincerely yours,
Palamanga Ouali

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Burkina Faso, please consider sponsoring 4-year-old Soumaïla!

Soumaïla's birthday is December 31, and he lives with his parents, who are sometimes employed, and 3 siblings. Soumaïla enjoys clapping hands to rhythm, dancing, group games, jumping, running, singing, soccer, walking, learning about God, listening to bible stories, playing games and singing songs! To sponsor Soumaïla, click here.

Fatao in Burkina Faso

We began corresponding with Fatao in December 2016.

We have received 5 letters and one country director's letter while corresponding with Fatao. His birthday is July 5. Fatao lives with his parents, who are sometimes employed as a housewife and a farmer.

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Project Info and Activities:

Fatao attends BF-407 in Bihon, Gourcy
* Home to approximately 7,600 residents
* Primary language is Afaan Oromo
* Most common work is animal herding, day laboring, market trading, subsistence farming or domestic services
* Average earning is $21 a month
* Regional Diet: beans, beef, bread, cereal, chicken, fish, maize, millet & rice
* Common health problems: malaria, meningitis, colds, pneumonia
* Typical Houses: cement, brick walls

Center Activities: Bible teaching, health screenings and education, hygiene trainings, supplemental food, soccer tournaments, community service opportunities, drama and music classes, talent development, life skills training, remedial classes and computer courses.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: group games, soccer/football, hide-and-seek, running, play with sand, building small houses, hunting, rice with sauce, yellow, hide-and-seek, story of David

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Letter Highlights...

My name means: my first name means The Key of God, my name means male horse

"Thank you for the beautiful story about Sherinah, it's very comforting."

"Thank you for talking about your favorites in your second letter. My favorite Bible story is the one about Joseph, favorite verse is John 3:16, favorite pet: sheep, favorite wild animal: elephant, favorite food: rice, favorite sport: soccer, favorite color: yellow."

"I would like to have a pet animal. I will name my pet Patience. I would like to go to the bush with my pet."

"I was glad learning from you and discovering the different animals there. I also have the deer here but it is very hard to find it. I have never seen you but through your photos. Thanks a lot for writing to me. Bye and see you soon!"

"My family and I congratulate you for your new baby. May God bless [Mateo]. His pictures are so nice. He look a little to his father."

"I love you as you love me. I am very pleased to see your photo and pets. Here our pets are the dog and the cats that are nice."

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Artwork

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Project Director's Letter: Burkina Faso

In the spring, Compassion sent us a bunch of project director letters! I'll be sharing them over the weeks! Enjoy!

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This letter is the project that Firmin attends! And the photos are from Compassion's Burkina Faso Album.

Dear Eric & Hannah,

I am K. Adeline W., the team leader of the CDC in the A Church of D. The center which Firmin attends is located in the town of D, Burkina Faso.

I am so happy that God has put in your heart to help Firmin.

The impact of the CDC implemented by Compassion certifies that the inspiration is truly divine. INdeed, at the opening of the activities of our center in November 2014, a boy of almost 4 years old registered in the center particularly attracted our attention by his behavior. He refused to join the other children registered in the center, and used to cry until he sleeps. Sometimes he even returned home without taking any meals at the center. So after a long conversation with his mother, we were able to solve the problem. Now this child sings some gospel songs he learns in the center.

His mother confirms these changes in her child's life in saying that, every Thursday morning; her child puts pressure on her to take him to the center. It is clear that the program has changed the child.

I know that dialogue is always important in a relationship. The center children are so happy to receive letters from their sponsors. They find themselves so important when their sponsors write them. Some children even tell their friends that they have a sponsor from abroad.

Particularly, I like to work within the children because they are sincere and innocent. Our center motto is love, and together we show love to all the center children.

The CDC thanks the Lord for protecting the children lives and the quick growing of the sponsored children in this short time.

However, I would like you to pray for the children and their parents to accept Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. Pray also for our center to have a playground for the children.

Thank you for your sponsorship of Firmin. May God sustain you in your noble mission!

May His grace abound in your life!

In Christ,
K. W. Adeline

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Burkina Faso, please consider 5-year-old Kadidiatou! Her birthday is June 4 and she has been waiting over 250 days for a sponsor.

Kadidiatou lives with her brother and her mother. Her duties at home include helping in the kitchen and running errands. There are 2 children in the family. Her brother is sometimes employed and her mother maintains the home.

Kadidiatou is not presently attending school. Running and playing group games are her favorite activities. She also attends Bible class regularly. To sponsor Kadidiatou, click here.

Firmin in Burkina Faso

We began corresponding with Firmin in January 2015 and continued until July 2016.

We received 8 letters and one project director's letter while corresponding with Firmin. His birthday is January 1. Phalan lives with his father and mother, Joachim and Delphine. His parents are farmers. And Firmin has 4 siblings, Felicite, Sabine, Anne, and Nadine.

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Project Info and Activities:

Fimrin attends BF-161 in Dedougou

* Home to approximately 8,000 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is French
* Most common work is work is animal herders, subsistence farmers or market traders, but the majority are unemployed
* Average earning is $10 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans, chicken, guinea big, bread, rice & millet
* Common Health Problems: malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections
* Typical Houses: dirt or cement floors, mud or dirt walls, tin or thatched roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, medical checkups, health education, nutritious food, games, group activities, choir and music classes.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: group games, playing with cars, beans, yellow, pet chickens, Moses parting the Red Sea, Mark 10:14

* Dreams: to become a trader, visit France, visit us, be healthy, to buy a beautiful car

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Letter Highlights...

"I pray God to keep blessing us and bless our friendship."

"I am playing some games you told me about."

"I enjoy going to the center for I am learning many things."

Tell about your favorite Bible story in a few lines: Moses slapped the sea and it divided into two allowing Lord's people to cross.

My favorite Bible verse is: Mark 10:14

The greatest thing I learned about Jesus is: He is the only one and the real Savior that God sent to save us.

"I love the principles such as being simple, wise, respectful, wherever I am because my parents ordered me."

"We are in the rainy season and the nature is green!"

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Artwork

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Extra Photos

Firmin sent this lovely family photo:

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Letter Writing: Burkina Faso

August's letter is focused on Burkina Faso, thanks to the directions for Leenda on the Step Into My Shoes Blog. I chose to write about lions because they are Ndeleva's favorite animal and I like trying to learn more about each kids' favorite! I got my information from Compassion, Facts King, Science Kids and National Geographic Kids. The map, flag, and photos were found through a Google image search. Click here to get the how-to-draw page. I just love being able to add extra pages with photos and activities!

Here's a picture of the letter I sent:

If you would like to share this letter with your sponsored child, here is what I wrote:

My precious Friend. I would like to share about Burkina Faso with you today! Burkina Faso, which means "Land of the Honorable People," is a country in West Africa. Burkina Faso has more than 60 ethnic groups. Art made by the Mossi, Bobo and Lobi are the most famous. The Mossi are known for their antelope masks; the Bobo make large butterfly masks; and the Lobi carve wood. Burkina Faso is a leader in African art and culture and hosts the largest craft market in Africa. Music is very important to the people of Burkina Faso. The Mande people of the southwest are known for xylophone music, while the large, centrally located Mossi have courtly music. The Fulbe of the north use complex vocal techniques with clapping percussion. Some famous sites are the Nazinga Reserve which protects a large elephant population, the Bandora region with incredible rock formations called peaks of Sindou, the breathtaking Karfiguela Falls, and Lake Tengrela, where many hippos live. There are three types of crocodiles in Burkina Faso, the Slender-snouted crocodile, Nile crocodile, and dwarf crocodile. I wanted to learn more about them (they also live in Burkina Faso, although most of the lions in Africa lives in southern and eastern Africa). I learned that the average male lion weighs around 180 kg, while the average female lion weighs around 130 kg. Lions can reach speeds of up to 81 kph and their roar can be hear up to 8 km away! Lions usually live in groups of 10 or 15 animals called prides. Female lions do 85-90% of the prides hunting (typically from dawn to dusk), while the male lions patrol the territory and protect the pride.

I would like to share a game from Burkina Faso with you. This game is called Leenda.
To play, you need: 2 long jump ropes, at least 10 feet long
1. Tie the ends of the jump ropes together to make a long circle.
2. Two players stand at opposite ends and face each other. They stand inside the rope circle. Placing their ankles against the rope they push out until the rope is fully extended and off the ground.
3. The first player to jump steps inside the circle of rope with both feet inside.
4. The player jumps several times. Sometimes she lands with one foot outside; sometimes she lands with both feet outside. She alternates which foot is inside and which is outside. Children must jump 7 or 12 times before proceeding to the next level.
5. The players then proceed to different levels of difficulty such as having to jump the rope when it is calf-high, knee-high, hip-high, and even higher if possible.
6. The player who completes the number of required jumps at the highest level wins. ~ Hannah

Feel free to copy this game to share with your sponsored kids!

New Kids!

When Compassion shared that they needed correspondents for 1000 Kenyan kids, I volunteered to take 7. I was given 6 Kenyan kids and a little guy from Burkina Faso! So I thought I'd take a moment to introduce the 7 newest members of our Compassion family with you.

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Beautiful Emily is 16 and her birthday is September 6! Emily attends KE-703 and enjoys playing soccer.

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Grace will be 15 on February 4. She is Maasai--look at her beautiful jewelry in the photo! She attends KE-599 and she also enjoys soccer. (I am so excited to have girls who enjoy soccer! Maria from Bolivia was my first soccer-loving girl. I am a soccer-loving girl, so I'm pretty stoked to add two more to our family!)

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Rebecca is 13 and her birthday is May 15. I hope that we can get a smile to return to her face for her next photo update! She attends KE-610 and enjoys jumping rope and group games.

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Handsome Phalan is 13 and his birthday is July 29. He enjoys soccer (yay!) and attends KE-667.

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Gatwiri is 13 and her birthday is August 18 (the same as my sister!). She attends KE-469 and enjoys group games and hide-and-seek.

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Ndeleva is 13 and his birthday is November 4. He attends KE-643 and enjoys running and drawing! Isn't his smile so cute?

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And finally, I'd like to introduce little Firmin from Burkina Faso. He just turned 4 on January 1! Isn't he so cute? He attends BF-161 and enjoys group games.

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Did you receive any Kenyan correspondents? Or have you added new kids to your family recently? I love bringing new kids into our family! It's such a gift to be able to reach out to these kids!

International Highlight: Burkina Faso

GENERAL INFO

If you want to read more about the history, education and other information, read Compassion's page on Burkina Faso.

Compassion asks that we pray for three things for these kids here:

1) Please pray for the children who are not able to attend the child development center. Some parents will not let their children come to the center because of religious differences.
2) Pray for God to soften the hearts of the parents.
3) Pray for God to open the eyes of people within each community, that they will cherish one another and that the interests of children will be taken seriously.

And for some beautiful photos of Burkina Faso, check out Compassion's Flickr album here.

COMPASSION IN BURKINA FASO

If you want to read a thorough description of Compassion's work in Burkina Faso, read their ministry highlight here. These are my favorite summaries of Compassion at work in each country!

Some teenagers shared what they learn at their Compassion project! Check out what they said: What Teenagers Learn and Share.

And some kids were given cameras...there photos are shared in this post: Through the Eyes of a Child: Burkina Faso.

And check out this post: Life in Burkina Faso. It's very informative!

Check out this video on Compassion's fight against meningitis.



Currently there's a food crisis in Burkina Faso. Please be praying for the kids there! And you can read about that here.

And you can read about Compassion's initiatives with mosquito nets! Parents in Burkina Faso Keep Children Safe Against Maleria.

This post talks about the experiences of those who are HIV positive: The Stigma.

You can read about The Tradition of Rikirre in Burkina Faso--this will be especially interesting if you have a sponsored child there!

Do your letters really matter? I think so! Check out this post: Sponsor Letters Can be a Family Affair.

INDIVIDUAL STORIES

You can read Awa and Fatimah's story here: Choosing to Follow Jesus: One Muslim Woman's Story.

And you can read about Mohamed and Ibrahim and their experience with Compassion: Why are Some Children Considered Highly Vulnerable and Others Aren't?

Enjoy Abdoulaye and his family's story: What is There to Love About the Church?

Here is the story of two sisters, Rasmata and Aguirata: Finding Christ in Burkina Faso.

And here is Fadilatou’s story and how Compassion influenced her life: Introducing a Future Minister of Defense for Burkina Faso.

You can read about the Jones Bones Blog about her visit to Burkina Faso: Sector 30-Breaks me and Saving Edith.

And here is Pastor Kogoro's story about his involvement with Compassion: What Does Child Sponsorship Mean in Burkina Faso?

FOOD

You can make the Zoom Koom drink!

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

You can read about the first Christmas celebration of a town in Burkina Faso: Celebrating Christmas for the First Time.

AVAILABLE KIDS

Please be praying for the kids of Burkina Faso who are still waiting for sponsors.

Update: Josephat was sponsored! Josephat is 6-years-old and has been waiting 345 days for a sponsor.

Josephat's birthday is July 20! He enjoys playing with cars and marbles. Josephat lives in both an AIDS-affected area and an area known for child abuse and exploitation. He lives with his parents and one sibling and his dad is sometimes employed as a seller in the market. And Josephat's responsibility is to run errands. To sponsor Josephat, click here.

Update: Anna was sponsored! Anna is 5-years-old and has also been waiting 345 days for a sponsor.

Anna's birthday is November 2 and she enjoys playing with dolls, running and playing group games. Anna lives in both an AIDS-affected area and an area known for child abuse and exploitation. She lives with her parents and six sibling and her parents are sometimes employed. Her responsibilities include carrying water, caring for animals and running errands. To sponsor Anna, click here.

To see more available kids from Burkina Faso, please click here.

(Note: all facts & photos are taken from Compassion's website and blog.)