Fatoumata Sow is just one of the many underprivileged children in Mali. The oldest of four children, she was born in the town of Satigila, in the Sikasso region of Mali. She has never been to school, and does not know her own age. Her mother passed away in February of 2010, and her father, who supports his family on $20 a month, took the opportunity to offer her a better life by accepting a family friend’s offer to take her to Bamako in the hopes that she could gain an education and have more opportunities outside of her village.

Fatoumata and her three siblings all suffer from nyctalopia, also known as night blindness, a medical condition that is due to a lack of vitamin A. If not treated, nyctalopia can lead to blindness. When ACFA-Mali director Zoumana Bagayoko heard her story, he decided to fund the medical appointments, surgery, glasses, and medical follow ups of Fatoumata as a Christmas gift to ACFA CEO Kadiatou Sidibe.  Without his generous gift, Fatoumata’s condition would not have improved, indeed, it would have gotten worse with time, and she could have been blinded for life. Fatoumata is currently living between two families in Bamako.

Though much better off than she would have been in her home village, her life is still not easy. The family that is hosting her is so poor that they cannot afford to feed her, therefore, she is lodged in one family and feed by a neighboring family.

Fatoumata is just one of the many children in Mali living difficult lives, and most of them are not fortunate enough to have someone pay for their medical expenses, or shelter and feed them. Today, not only can Fatoumata see, and has glasses, but she has also been issued a birth certificate, and enrolled in school. ACFA is proud to be a part of yet another vulnerable child in Mali. By donating, you can contribute to the life changing experience that Fatoumata is going experiencing now.

No amount is too small, and you would be surprised how much the smallest amount can impact the life of a vulnerable child in Mali. If you are interested in learning more or donating, please visit our donation page where you can contribute to the cause of the most vulnerable in Mali. Your donations will go a long way. Thank you for your support.

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