Children's Programs

Fadimata is a 37-year-old widow who lives in Timbuktu, Mali. Recently she shared her story and how our partner TNT and their youth center for children called Elijah House has blessed her son Ibrahim and changed her own life as well.

“I was married and I was happy with my husband and our baby son Ibrahim even living in Timbuktu’s ‘Belt of Misery.’ My husband was a mud worker and earned daily just what we needed. I was a housekeeper and I shared with my husband the leftovers I received from the ones who hired me.

“But in March 2000, I was called from my work to be told that a mud house fell, and my husband was among the victims. I lost my mind for many days, but I had to come back to reality. I had to feed my son and myself. For multiple involuntary mistakes I made at work, I was kicked out and I was never able to hold a job a long time.

Survival was very hard for us. I gave myself to wicked men who took advantage of me but would not marry me, and all of that didn’t s ave us. My son was growing and we were all very miserable. I was really lost and I didn’t know where to go when I heard about the Christian center. I was told that Christians are unbelievers, infidels, and alcoholics, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to save my son.

“Surprisingly, now a year later, my son is looking good, going to school, happy among other kids, and behaves far better than how he used to act. Our neighbors are now starting to want him for small jobs. I became healthier, having to take care of my own burdens only. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to the Elijah House people and friends who offered this opportunity to people like me. May God reward them a lot.”

Through Elijah House, Partners International and TNT are teaming up to reach the youth of Timbuktu. Children living in the Belt of Misery are from especially poor families. Their parents are so poor they often cannot provide even basic essentials, such as food and clothing.

At Elijah House, 65 children ranging in age from 5 to 18 receive meals, clothing, medical care, and are registered in public school. Weekly Bible classes are held where children hear stories, watch videos, play Bible memorization games, share their testimonies, and participate in art projects and sports.

Your gifts to this project have made a tremendous difference in the lives of kids and their parents. Elijah House has been operational only a few years, but its positive reputation has spread throughout the region.

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