akary Traore is a shy 10-year old boy living in Kolondieba, Mali, Africa. He doesn't go to school, which is too far away. He lives in a mud-brick house with a thatched roof with his mother, father, and other relatives.  His responsibilities include household chores and looking after animals.

     Mali, (previously French Sudan), once the bread basket of Africa, is now among the poorest countries on the continent (US $260 per capita annual income).  Rain is sparse and many wells are dry, with long walks to water.  Drought has depleted the soils.

     Half the population lives in poverty. Nearly 20% of children never reach their 5th birthday.  Life expectancy for men is 45, for women 47.  80% of the population is illiterate.  Average number of children per mother: 6.7.  Nearly half the population of this country is less than 15 years old.

     Bakary's opportunities for a healthy, fulfilling life are narrow.  As his country's population doubles again in 22 years, food supply will be less.  Bakary is part of a trend in which even hope may finally be lost.  There is little Bakary can do to alter this condition.

BUT.......