FRANCIA
Eight-year-old Francia resided at Pwoje ESPWA for 3 years after her parents sought help. Francia and her family live in a rural community near Torbeck, not far from campus.
Her mother and father provided what little they could for her and her four siblings. The family used to call a small, one-room shelter made of sheet metal home. When they were able to purchase food at the market, cooking is done, using wood as a fuel source, in the courtyard out front. The plot just beyond their home served as an outdoor latrine. With no access to electricity, the family illuminated their dwelling with candles or a small incandescent lamp when the sun sets beyond the mountains and darkness settles.
Francia’s father is illiterate and used to rely on income from fishing to provide his share for his family. However, as the cost of living has increased, he is no longer able to access the necessary inputs to fish.
Francia’s mother received a primary education and keeps a shop in town where she sells chickens. Finding sustainable income for her father is difficult, and money from selling chickens is not fruitful enough to provide for the whole family.
At home and in school, Francia is happy, healthy, and an attentive student. She is making friends in her community, learning from her elders and siblings, and receives daily hugs.
Last year, Francia joyfully reunited with family, returning home as a part of the Family Preservation Program. Recognizing that a stable family starts with stable shelter, a new home was built for Francia and her family. With a secure, welcoming environment for their children, Francia’s parents can now focus their energy on building their capacity to care for their family so that they can be the best parents they can be.
