Two weeks into the first ICS cohort with AML, everything is new and
exciting as the team are getting to know each other and the AML community. But
let’s not forget about the host homes! I’m sure you are wondering: what is it really
like to live in a Burkina Faso host home?
I was too, even after all the research and training I received I still
didn’t know what to expect! I have learnt that the
best way to prepare is to come with an open mind, as all host homes are
different. When I first arrived, I really noticed the difference from my home
back in England, everything felt new and bizarre but now it just feels normal.
It has truly turned into our home. The host home has been one of the highlights
and a significant aspect of making me feel part of the local community.
The family I have been placed with are great! Everybody is so welcoming
and are genuinely happy to have my counterpart and me living with them. Their
main language is Mooré (the local tribal
language) as well as a small amount of French, but no English! As you can
imagine, communicating can be difficult so it’s lots of hand gestures and
learning the language! However my counterpart does a remarkable job of
translating for me!
My host ‘pappa’ is a builder, he drives a moped and has two
wives. He is always smiling, always buying presents and is always so happy to
see me! His first wife is my main ‘mamma’ She has her own small shop outside of the
compound we live in. She sells cigarettes, oil, sweets, sachets of water, men’s t-shits, and she also makes a traditional
drink called Bissap and these gorgeous balls of cake that are very addictive!
She makes our breakfast every morning, tea every night and on weekend she makes
lunch as well!
My
other ‘mamma’ has a place for a stall
at the market which is every three days. Here she sells bread, onions, nuts,
garlic and other seasonal produce. There are five children who live in the
house, however there are usually at least ten around – the house is always filled with people!
Everyone lives in the same compound – there is a house for the papa, mamma, their
son, his wife and the second mamma. There is a shared basic toilet and place
for a bucket shower. Everybody contributes to daily chores and a lot is
expected from children of a young age.
Living alongside a Burkinabe family and in
their home has really made me appreciate the lifestyle I have in England. The
next time I complain about doing my washing in the UK I’m going to kick myself and think about every
Sunday morning in Burkina Faso hand washing clothes and fetching water. I still
have a lot to learn about the culture here but so far, I’ve learnt that life is hard here but despite
this, everyone is still so happy and joyful!
By
April Gladrey
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