CHILDREN'S FUND
The Children’s Fund supports the comprehensive education of the youth of Dogon communities both in rural West Africa and the modern world. We are building a bridge between the two worlds so that the youth are equipped with resources and access to both indigenous and modern education in order to maintain a sustainable way of life. With this solid foundation, they will be ready to heal, guide, and enlighten future generations on a global scale
THE CHALLENGE
Children in rural West Africa face challenges of too little access, not enough learning and unaffordable expenses in modern schools.
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Inadequate access arises when modern schools close or they don’t exist, or where the school infrastructure and the staffing levels are inadequate, thus leading to the need for unqualified volunteer teachers
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As costs constantly rise, families of these children may not have the funds required for school tuition, uniforms, books and other school supplies needed to complete their modern education
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More time spent in modern education means less time mastering the indigenous knowledge, skills, and way of life, which are their natural heritage
The problems worsen in situations of conflict or natural disasters as children are the most vulnerable part of the population
OUR SOLUTION
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Reducing the gap between indigenous and modern societies
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Increasing the number of West African village children with access to standard modern education
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Helping to preserve the indigenous knowledge and skills through the Kebtah Youth Camp
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Accessing information through libraries and modern communication technology
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Reducing poverty, malnutrition, starvation, ill health, criminality, violence, rural-urban migration
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Building tomorrow’s leaders that enrich the modern world through their understanding of a way of life that is in harmony with nature
STORIES
NADIA
Nadia comes from a village in Sokode in Togo, West Africa. Nadia's mother and father come from a long lineage of healers. Nadia is in 5th grade and is 10 years old. After both her parents passed, her care and upbringing have been entrusted with The Earth Center. Nadia loves taking care of and playing with her younger siblings.
DJELILOU
Djelilou descends from a rich tradition and legacy of healers and priests. His father, Ouro Sama Gbeleou, is one of the most respected priests who is demanded by his community and royalty for healing and spiritual assistance.
Djelilou has inherited a natural inclination and capacity to work with nature and learn the art of healing and indigenous spiritual practices. Djelilou is also an excellent cook, a pro at taking care of babies and has a strong work ethic
HEQITEM
Heqitem is 16 years old and born in Burkina Faso, West Africa. As a very young child he became interested in The Earth Center’s spiritual and philosophical education. He comes from a legacy of story tellers and diviners.
Heqitem continues to work hard in both his traditional initiatic studies in carrying on the legacy of his family, as well as a student about to enter high school.
FADILA
Fadila is in 10th grade and has lived with her grandmother from the age of six until recently. Fadilla loves spending time with her family, learning English and fashion.
In her own words:
" My name is Fadila, I am Togolese, I come from Togo. More precisely in Sokode. And since I was very young I lived with my grandmother in Sokode. I studied a bit in Sokode and now I am in Burkina Faso to continue my studies. So when I arrived here in Burkina Faso at my uncle's house … I decided to continue my modern studies to be able to better understand and advance in the future and I am sure that in the future it will be very useful for me in being able to educate other children and my [future] children as well, to be able to understand and also to follow modern courses to be able to do better in life, thank you."