Boubakar’s story: Joy despite disability

In the quiet village of Taif Thiekene in Senegal’s Kaffrine region, seven-year-old Boubakar and his 15-year-old sister Mariama have grown up facing both physical challenges and social barriers. Boubakar was born with a disability and Mariama now walks with bowed legs after fractures as a baby that were never treated by medical professionals.

Neither of their parents are alive – they are cared for by a stepmother. For much of their early lives, misunderstanding and stigma shaped how others saw them. Local beliefs led many to think their conditions were caused by spirits, and their father sought help from traditional healers without success. “He took Boubakar to healers for prayers many times, but nothing worked,” Mariama says.

Everything began to change when World Vision started working in their village. Through awareness campaigns and ongoing engagement, people’s attitudes toward Boubakar and children with disabilities began to shift. “The community now has greater consideration for us,” said Mariama. “Children living with disabilities are no longer rejected or hidden away.”

As part of World Vision’s child sponsorship program, Boubakar and three of his siblings began receiving immediate support and care. A key turning point came when Boubakar was given a wheelchair to help with his mobility. “Before, he had to crawl on the ground to move,” said Mariama. “He would get very dirty, and it was painful to watch. Now, he can move freely, go outside to play, and be with his friends whenever he wants.”

The change has been life-giving for the whole family. “With his wheelchair,” Mariama said, “Boubakar no longer feels disabled. He can go wherever he wants, and that’s restored his dignity. All the children like him have regained their confidence.”

In addition to mobility support, World Vision has equipped the family with goats, food supplies, and regular follow-up visits that have strengthened their resilience through difficult times—particularly during the rainy season, when food becomes scarce and they live on rice only, surviving well below the poverty line. “World Vision’s support has been beneficial for our family,” Mariama explained. “They regularly bring us food and have given us animals to raise, which helps us provide for ourselves.”

Mariama also lives with a disability caused by an untreated childhood fracture. Despite this, she radiates optimism. “My deepest wish is that Boubakar will one day be able to walk.”

Now, their family feels more supported and accepted than ever before. “We’ve really felt strong support and a clear change in our lives,” Mariama said. “I am so happy to see my brother in his chair, moving around freely. I thank the sponsors and World Vision for this remarkable support and pray for the success of all their projects.”

Thanks to child sponsorship, Boubakar and Mariama’s story has become one of hope, inclusion, and dignity restored—a powerful reminder that when people open their hearts, children’s lives can change forever.