Burkina Faso is among the poorest countries in the world, but a country of people filled with hope, determination, and tremendous generosity.

Northern Burkina Faso lies in the Sahel belt that runs across the African continent.  Much of the landscape is flat and dry, with poor quality soil. The climate is hot with very low precipitation. Villagers in this region are mostly subsistence farmers who are challenged to grow enough basic crops (millet, sorghum and peanuts) to feed their families. Culturally and within this harsh environment, boys receive preference in schooling; as such, girls' education and literacy rates are far lower than their male counterparts. Village girls are generally subject to arranged marriages, often as the 2nd, 3rd or 4th wife of an older man.

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