For Those Who Wear The Brand
Global Aid Projects

At 62, Jeanne Marie Sawadogo has faced more tragedy and hardship than most could ever imagine. Forced to flee her home in Tibtenga after devastating terrorist attacks, she now lives in a slum in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where each day is a battle for survival. A widow and a grandmother, Jeanne Marie's sole purpose is to provide for her grandchildren amidst overwhelming challenges ~ lack of food, clean water, and basic safety.



Jeanne's life took a heartbreaking turn in 2022 when she lost her only son to a violent terrorist attack. This unimaginable pain left her not only grieving but also the sole caretaker of her grandchildren. Her voice trembles as she shares the weight she carries daily: "Every morning, I wake up wondering how I will feed my grandchildren. They are my reason to live, even when everything seems lost."

A Life of Daily Struggles

Life in the slums of Saaba is unforgiving. Jeanne Marie faces scorching heat, no electricity, and unsafe living conditions, which expose her and her family to constant threats of illness. "We relieve ourselves outside like animals... It's humiliating, but what can I do? I have no choice," she confesses, as her voice echoes the struggle that has become her daily existence.



Fetching water is a dangerous and difficult task, and when she can't find enough, the fear of her grandchildren falling ill becomes a terrifying reality. Food is scarce, and every meal is a question mark. Jeanne Marie fights to make sure her family doesn't go hungry, but the lack of financial resources makes survival feel like an uphill battle with no end in sight.

The Weight of Grief and the Power of Faith

For Jeanne Marie, the memory of losing her son still haunts her. "I remember his look when he fell... Since then, I live with that image in my head." The grief is crushing, but the love for her grandchildren pushes her forward. "They have only me left," she says, determined to create some form of stability for them despite the overwhelming odds.



Amid this turmoil, Jeanne finds strength in her faith. "Every day, I pray. I tell myself that God hasn't forgotten us, that there is still hope." It's this hope, fragile yet powerful, that keeps her going, even when her world feels like it's collapsing.

A Lifeline Amidst the Struggle

Despite the government's lack of support, Jeanne Marie and other displaced families lean on one another, sharing the little they have. "We have only ourselves for support. Here, we share what we have, even if it's little." It is through this bond that Jeanne Marie finds moments of relief and solidarity, proof that humanity still thrives, even in the darkest corners of adversity.

The recent aid we were able to provide Jeanne Marie ~ sack of rice, charcoal, and soap ~ may seem like simple items, but for her, they are a crucial lifeline. The charcoal will provide fuel for cooking for the next two weeks, while the rice will ensure that her grandchildren have enough food for at least 20 days. The soap, which will last for the same duration, offers much-needed hygiene to help protect her family from illness in their unsanitary living conditions.





For Jeanne Marie, this aid is more than just temporary relief ~ it is peace of mind, a brief moment where she doesn't have to wonder where the next meal will come from or how to keep her grandchildren clean and safe. It's a small but significant respite from the daily uncertainty she faces, allowing her to focus on the most important thing in her life: her grandchildren's future.

A Dream for the Future

When asked about her dreams, Jeanne's hope is simple yet profound: "I want my grandchildren to escape this poverty. I want them to go to school, to become someone." Her vision is clear ~ she dreams of a future where her grandchildren can thrive, free from the chains of poverty and despair. But she knows she can't do it alone. "I can't do it alone... We need support to build a better future."

Jeanne Marie's story is one of remarkable resilience, an unbreakable spirit fighting against overwhelming odds. Her plea is a call to the world for compassion and action. In her words, "We are human beings, just like you. We deserve to live with dignity."

The Fight for Change

Burkina Faso continues to face the devastating effects of terrorism and displacement, but Jeanne Marie's strength and resolve remind us of the power of the human spirit. Her story is a stark reminder that, even in the face of unimaginable loss, hope and resilience can endure. But change requires collective action.

Together, we can offer a lifeline to families like Jeanne Marie's. The aid may be temporary, but the impact is life-changing. This is not just a story of survival ~ it's a call for humanity to come together and create a better future for those who need it most.