Abankawel's story

One inspiring example of the difference that your contribution can make to the lives of the children in Niger can be illustrated through the story of a 10 year old boy.

Generous donations from last year’s appeal enabled Anti-Slavery International to establish a library for the children attending the schools. When Anti-Slavery’s Africa Programme Coordinator visited Niger in April she took with her books bought with money donated through the appeal. Little did she know that apart from the important educational benefits, the books would hold a more immediate life-saving role.

Five year old Fatou was unfortunately bitten by a deadly snake in May and with the nearest hospital many miles away, there was no way she would receive adequate health care in time to prevent her death. But one 10 year old child Abankawel stepped forward and told the adults that they should apply the leaves from the ebiola plant as a tourniquet to stop the poison spreading. Surprised by Abankawel’s knowledge the adults sprang into action and applied the ebiola tourniquet to Fatou’s bite.

Fatou was taken to hospital and made a full and speedy recovery, and the doctors confirmed that her life had been saved by the application of the tourniquet.  When Abankawel was asked how he knew this would stop the poison from spreading, he went to the library and returned with a book entitled ‘Une Plante lui Soigne’ or ‘A plant that heals’. He explained that he had read the book and remembered the details when Fatou was bitten.

This inspiring story shows the importance of providing education for children. This can be especially important for children whose families have been denied freedom, and are discriminated against because of their status as slaves. An education not only increases the chances of children achieving a livelihood beyond slavery, but also enables them to gain important life-enhancing knowledge and skills as illustrated by Abankawel and Fatou’s story.