Gaoussou Sidibe

A boy born in 2017 lives in a family of seven children in a rented room. His mother studied accounting but is now at home; she is learning sewing and earns some income from hair braiding. The father, who used to work in tourism and speaks excellent English, has been unemployed since 2012 and is currently training to become an electrician. The mother is an active member and president of a local women's group that occasionally cleans and tidies the neighborhood streets. The family atmosphere is exceptionally loving and respectful—something rare to witness. According to them, Gaoussou is exceptionally smart, "the smartest in the family," says the father. He studies a lot, is calm, but at the same time full of energy; whenever he hears music, he constantly sings and dances. Gaoussou loves going to school, and his favorite activities are reciting poetry and dictation. He has no school supplies or uniform. He doesn't like playing football; instead, he enjoys word games on the neighbor's tablet. He dreams of having his own word game and school books.