Boys in training

Tailor

Bandé Hamidou is a half-orphan and came to AMPO from dire circumstances. He has been training in our tailoring workshop for two years and he can now cut out and sew shirts by himself. At the age of 12 he can make school uniforms for his mates. He comes from the Peul tribe, a people from the north of Burkina Faso and at work he proudly wears his Peul shepherd’s hat.

Carpenter

Heavily laden on the way to market! Konaté Seidou, 14 years old has every reason to laugh. The year before last he was still a beggar, today he earns his own living with his work in the carpentry shop. In February he even won a UNESCO prize in Canada. When asked what he would do with the prize-money, a huge amount here at least, he beamed: I’ll give it all to my friends!

Car mechanic

His head buried in an engine, here we see Sam Thomas – one of our most difficult boys with a disastrous background. After a long hard struggle he has finally managed to learn his trade, enjoy it and apply himself. Since then his self-confidence has soared and he is more readily accepted by the other boys. Sam Thomas is badly in need of some good fortune in life – and he deserves it.

Welder

Surviving for two years on his own on the streets of Ouagadougou has left its mark on Charles Zoré. He is now all the more determined to achieve something in life, to grasp the opportunity and to become a good welder. He proves this every day.

Fridge repairman

A special trade – just for Africa! Ramdé Honoré is learning to repair fridges, fans and air-conditioning systems – a bit like the counterpart of a heating engineer in Europe. The story of AMPO started with this boy, when the death of his father gave the starting signal for setting up the orphanage. Things are not easy with him at the moment, his puberty causing all of us no end of trouble. Thankfully that will not last for ever.

Joiner

Bambara Alhamdo, 16, and Ouedraogo Madi, 14, are both orphans and have been with AMPO for quite some time now. They are both skilled joiners and can produce benches, tables and cupboards. Alhamdo has just been elected “president” by the children and we are very pleased with this quiet boy with a sense of fairness. Madi is really a born farmer and looks after our goats, chickens, parrots and dogs.