“People are ashamed of their poverty. To keep others from thinking they have nothing, they put a pot of water over the fire outside their home. When it starts to boil, they add sand — pretending to cook so it looks like they’ll be eating, like they used to,” says Dr. Youba from the hospital in Kaédi.

The real trouble begins when hunger turns into illness. That’s why together with Sister Iram we regularly visit the people of Kaédi. That’s how we met little Kasoun’s family.

They are among the poorest people in the world. They have nothing. Until recently, they lived under a makeshift shelter built from sticks, old mats, and scraps of fabric. It offered some protection from the sun, but when it rained, everything inside would be soaked. To avoid sleeping directly on the sand, they laid out mats. They don’t eat breakfast, and many days they can’t afford lunch either. As part of the  “Christmas Plate of Goodness” campaign, we asked you this year to support Kasoun’s family. Today, you should feel like true heroes.

Kasoun continues to receive regular care at our nutrition center, but thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to do so much more for his family. A big dream has come true — the dream of a real home. A place that protects them from the sun and the rain, but more importantly, from the heavy burden of feeling like they don’t belong anywhere in this world. Now they do! A simple, sturdy, safe home — and soon a cozy one — is the best gift they could ever receive.

We believe that together with you, we can change many more lives this year — wipe away tears, restore meaning, and awaken hope where it has long been lost.