Visiting Franck (One of the Street Kids) in Jail

Visiting Franck (One of the Street Kids) in Jail

Feb 9, 2017

Good day, esteemed Patrons,On Sunday, Boukary and I went to the MACO (Maisson d’arret et Correction de Ouagadougou – the local jail) to visit Franck. It was an emotionally charged visit.  When he came into the room, he greeted us and sat down between us.  As soon as we asked him how he was, he began to cry in such a way that neither Boukary nor I could hold back the tears.  It was a very sad moment.  But we managed to pull ourselves together and cheer him up.  We calmed him down so we could talk.  Franck assured us that he was alright, that neither the guards nor the other boys in detention had hit him.  He also told us that in the mornings he was able to take CM2 (6th grade) classes and at midday he was allowed to watch television with the other children. 

Burkina Revives! (Special Post by JCVD)

Dec 28, 2016

After two years of real uneasiness, on the trip between December 5 and 11, it seemed to me Burkina Faso was as full of uncertainties as ever, yet more peaceful, joyful and vibrant. Mercè, Eva, Koke and I left on the 5th for an intense week of incessant work.  The...
Taking the Law into One’s Own Hands

Taking the Law into One’s Own Hands

Nov 29, 2016

Last week I found myself caught up in the capture of a thief who had snatched a purse from a girl on a motorbike.  I was in my car, only a few meters from the girl’s bike.  Days later, thinking it over, I’m still surprised at the scene that developed around the...

From a Thorny Path to a Rocky one

Oct 28, 2016

If I close my eyes I can see their faces perfectly – with expressions both defiant and skittish – They are the boys from the first group of the education and reintegration project for street kids, who have gone on to become apprentices in vocational workshops: Salfo,...
A Second Chance for Inoussa

A Second Chance for Inoussa

Sep 29, 2016

Inoussa is 10 years old and will stay back this year in CE2 (4th grade of primary school in the Spanish system). Of the almost 500 children in the School Scholarship Program, he is the only one who was left back to whom we will give a second chance this year. His case...