The Inconsistencies of Parenthood

THE INCONSISTENCIES OF PARENTHOOD: This photo depicts Salah and his youngest daughter.  Salah is one of my best friends from the Azawak.  He is married to the outspoken Raichatou, the leader of women in our community of Tangarwashane.  Proud of his delicious cooking, he relishes making tagala (sand bread) when I visit.  Like most Touareg fathers I know, he adores his children, and spends much of his time cuddling with them.  He even opened part of his home to start the first school of Tangarwashane. Read more…

Flying Bags of Poop

FLYING BAGS OF POOP: I was exhausted from the day’s heat, and tired of conducting questionnaires.  Even though my research was fascinating, I wanted to play with kids, and take a break from the gruel of my work.  I had spent all day walking from one household to another in the village of Goumbi Kanno, conducting interviews with women to inquire about their hygiene and sanitation practices. I was feeling a little strange asking such personal questions to women I hardly knew.  A break was in order. Read more…