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: Azawak
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 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…
Working Mothers
Working Mothers This post is dedicated to working mothers around the world. This Wodaabe mother busies herself making rope, with one babe in arm and her other children watching. This photo reminds me how, Read more…
Wodaabe Braids
WODAABE BRAIDS: An aunt is redoing her nieces braids as the young lady, Yobande, prepares to join her husband at a Gerewol festival. She may decide once at the festival, a traditional meeting spot for Read more…
Childhood Marriage
CHILDHOOD MARRIAGE: Girls in the Azawak often marry between the ages of 10 and 14, depending on their ethnic group. Early marriage coupled with days spent collecting water, makes attending school particularly challenging. We at Read more…
Life Without Water:
Life Without Water: Azawak families walk up to 50km/day to obtain water. Due to severe water scarcity, they live off of less than 5 liters of water/person/day– a quantity well under the WHO prescription of a minimum 15 to 20 liters of water/person/day. This daily chore takes them all day, every day, leaving little time for school and work. Nonetheless, people live harmoniously and joyfully, living their struggle from one day to Read more…