World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought In this photo, taken in 2005, young Malik, Soutout, and Sadeya were digging for water in a drying seasonal marsh. The children played and sang as we walked Read more…
Category: Series
The Best Fathers in the World
THE BEST FATHERS IN THE WORLD The BaAka pygmies of the Congo and Central African Republic have been coined the best fathers in the world. As I’ve mentioned before in my breastfeeding series, they are Read more…
Chosen
CHOSEN Elfi is a herder with his father. He and a few of his brothers have been chosen to care for livestock, while other brothers are sent off to school. The same has happened with Read more…
Ibrahim
Somewhere, deep in the desert, a child awaits his mother to return from a long, dangerous voyage. Food she will bring, clothes perhaps… and the love only a mother can give. How much longer must Read more…
Little Shepherd Boy
LITTLE SHEPHERD BOY: This little shepherd boy, Rijijess, was waiting his turn at a deep well to obtain water for his animals. He had already been waiting several hours, but did not seem phased by Read more…
The Surrogate
THE SURROGATE Matché is shaving her little brother Ibrahim’s head. A new mother herself (hence her black dress, as is custom among the Wodaabe), she cares for her siblings while her mother is away earning Read more…
The Playmate
THE PLAYMATE Matché plays with Ousman as he tries to catch a bowl. He would like to drink from a container filled with water and medicinal plants. Matché has to limit the amount of water Read more…
Breastfeeding Before Eloping
BREASTFEEDING BEFORE ELOPING: (I’m reposting since this is one of my favorite motherhood photos) Kourgil is nursing her baby while she awaits the beginning of the Gerewol ceremony. If this were her firstborn, she would Read more…
The Teacher
The Teacher A mother is a teacher. She teaches what she knows, and transmits what she believes is right. And her child will teach her in return. Help her become an even better teacher, if Read more…