Case studies: former SOS children Conakry, Guinea

Two former SOS Youths from Conakry give you a glimpse of their lives

Manma Fodé, now 24-year-old, and Marcel, 27-year-old, both spent most of their lives in the SOS Children's Village and later on in the SOS Youth Facility of Conakry, in Guinea. These two independant teenagers are now two strong and determined men, full of good memories, appreciation and projects.

Manma Fodé, the artist English student
I was five when I came to SOS Children's Village Conakry for better care. Before that, I was living in an orphanage.

When I arrived, I remember having been impressed by the environment: a large courtyard with flowers, beautiful houses, playgrounds and a mother, who, every morning would wake me up, get me dressed and sit me a table full of friends for breakfast. I was discovering a real new world!

Life in the village was great and peaceful. Happiness was in our home! I would do everything together with my SOS brothers and sisters: go to school, eat, play...

When I was 14, I left for the SOS Youth House, a few kilometres away from the village. There I lived with my SOS brothers and an educator. During the four years I spent there, I learnt to do everything by myself: keeping a house, shopping, cooking. This remains one of my best memories!

Now I'm 25 and I study the English language from Monday to Friday at the University of Conakry. I'm about to end my studies in fact. After classes, I teach English to my younger SOS brothers and sisters as well as some of the staff in the village.

During my free time, I draw and paint! This helps me earn some money to buy the little stuffs I need.

With all the opportunities SOS Children have given me, whatever I do in life today, I fight for it in order to succeed! SOS Children gave me a great chance in life! I will not spoil it!

My dream is to one day work in an international institution. I also hope to create an English language institute in Guinea.

Marcel, the altruist computer man

I was eight when I came to SOS Children's Village Conakry with my two younger brothers. Our father died and our mother did not have any mean to cater for any of our basic needs. We were seven children in total... My four other siblings were older.

Arriving in the village was for me a dream come true! It was a new life, a new beginning, with nice houses, caring mothers, new brothers and sisters... I quickly adapted myself!

My relationship with my SOS siblings was great and still is! I really try to keep the link that exists among us. They are the one who shared my happy moments as well as difficult ones. Like my SOS mother, they are part of my life! I always pray for my SOS mother and ask God to give her health, peace and a long life!

I also have very good memories of my life in the SOS Youth Facility, where I moved when I was a teenager. That's where I really got prepared for the social life I live today!

My goal in life is to succeed! To be of use for myself, for my family, for my society and my country!

I was lucky to be able to study (computer science), thanks to SOS Children Guinea. I'm now an intern civil servant at the ministry of commerce. I'm also registered in a communication, management and marketing course which I'm able to afford by my own means!

I'm still single and live with my biological mother, with some other brothers and sisters and nephews. In fact, I'm the one who assists all the family now. Especially with the education of the younger ones (my nephews for instance).

I'm also a very active volunteer and take part in several youth activities like the scout movement and other youth clubs. I attend many NGO meetings and wish that one day I could also create my own NGO to support widows and orphan children. I also dream to sponsor an SOS child, to give him or her the chance I was given!

As for my other projects, I would love to create a training centre for other youths and train them in computer skills, project design and youth leadership.

SOS Children has been working in Guinea since 1985 and has three children's villages at Conakry, N’Zérékoré, Kankan. These children's villages care for more than 350 children and a further 2,500 children and families are given practical support through family support in the community for those affected by HIV/AIDS and through SOS schools.

You can support children like Manma and Marcel by sponsoring a child in Guinea.