Send Elizabeth to University

I was in Burkina Faso with the Peace Corps from 2013 to 2016. For much of that time, I lived with Elizabeth and her family. I was there to  teach health and to support maternal and child nutrition. But, they took care of me. They welcomed me, fed me, taught me, and played with me. The whole village was full of good, kind hearted, and hard working people. Mostly, they worked in the fields. I have so many beautiful pictures of my girls out, working in the sun. And, that is great. They should be proud of the hard work they do. 



But, many people want more than to be farmers in a rural village. That life is hard, and we should not idealize it. Burkina is dry, farming is hard, and medicine is scarce. It is not an easy life. Girls must contribute to their families from a very young age. This means putting aside their studies to support to their families.


And, my girls wanted so much more. Each night, after their work, they would come to my house and study. I had solar lights; most other houses only had their fire for light at night. If they were with me studying, their parents would not ask them to mind their younger siblings. 

(Ok, so, this is obviously not night, but photos at night are hard)

Elizabeth was one of these girls who would come study with me. She taught me French and Djula. I gave her a Harry Potter book. But, mostly, she just studied next to me. Her focus during these few hours each night was striking. Since I left, we have kept in touch. The process is hard. She often cannot charge her phone, so I cannot call her. If she calls me, she has to pay... and cannot afford to do so. But, we have a system: she calls me and hangs up. I log onto Skype and call her back. Each time she calls, I ask about school, and she tells me how she is doing. She knows that this is the way she makes a better life. And the only way she will really be able to support her family in the long term. In February 2021, she told me that she was set to graduate high school soon. When I asked about her plans, she made it clear: she would go to college if she could get the money. She did not ask for help, just stated the truth. But, I am in a position to help. I will do what I can, but I am hoping others will do the same. Elizabeth wants to go to university, and she would thrive there. We cannot send everyone to university, not even all the girls from my village. But, we can send her. And, that counts for something. Please help me send Elizabeth to University. 


All the money I raise, I will send directly to Elizabeth. I will work with her to ensure that this money is spent on her school and nothing else. I talk to her mother regularly too and can ensure that the purpose of this is clear.