Mariama

Mariama comforting patient as Nurse Moussa prepares her for surgery.

Mariama was married at 15 in an arranged "match" to a man she did not like. Pregnant soon after, Mariama labored for 5 or 6 days. Tears filling her eyes, Mariama told us that the baby died before the birth. For 12 years, Mariama lived with fistula and a botched colostomy. She has been living in the courtyard for many, many years, reeking of urine and stool... Mariama was operated on successfully, but instead of returning to her Mother's house, she remained in the hospital, where all her friends are, where her life is.

Mariama works for IOWD as a nurse's aide. She is extremely competent and caring and watches over the fistula patients with great compassion. One evening, as Mariama walked through the wards, checking on the women, she came upon a frightened young patient whose catheter had fallen out. Mariama looked for help, but couldn't find any. She found a wheelchair, put the patient in it and wheeled her off to Emergency where the catheter was replaced. Mariama took the patient back to her room and stayed with her all night to make sure she was okay. Exhausted the next day, Mariama relayed this amazing and wonderful story to us... we knew we had a special young woman working for us!!!!!

In between her work caring for the fistula patients, Mariama embroiders with great skill - her work is quite beautiful. Soon, she will be embroidering handkerchiefs that will be sold in the States. Mariama also makes beaded bracelets that are sold in America. A "budding" entrepreneur, Mariama has taken some of her earnings and purchased goats - her mother cares for the animals back in the village.

Always willing to learn new things, Mariama, along with Haoua, is learning how to read and write in the local language. She has also picked up many English words just by listening to the Americans speak while in the hospital and by working with our Peace Corps Volunteers, Rebecca, Kim and Briana.

We look forward to seeing Mariama, waiting for us at the airport each time we arrive in Niamey... waiting with bottles of water and a huge, bright smile and a giant hug for all!

Mariama giving out to toys to fistula women and their babies who have come from as far away as Diffa.

Nurse Moussa and Mariama sharing a moment together. Mariama has the respect and admiration of everyone in the surgical ward at the hospital!

Mariama is always at Dr. Abdoulaye's side when he is on "rounds".

Mariama showing off her embroidery!

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