Ousmane was born in 2012 and lives in a remote village in West Africa. He lives with his mother, father and five siblings. He is the second oldest child in the family. His father is paralyzed on one side of his body and is unable to work in the family fields. Ousmane and his family are farmers who grow their own food. Corn is their primary crop and their main source of food although they also grow peanuts and beans. Ousmane helps fetch water from the village well. It is strenuous work. Each plastic container holds 20 liters of water. He often straps as many as five of them to a bike that he pushes along the dirt road to his house. Houses are built of mud bricks. Most have tin roofs and dirt floors. There is no electricity in his village. Meals are cooked over an open fire. Ousmane also gathers firewood and helps doing laundry. Since his father is not very mobile Ousmane helps him get around as best he can. A child grows up fast when he must assume so many family responsibilities.

This year (2023-2024), Ousmane is in the fifth grade. He likes learning and enjoys spending time with his friends. When he is not in school or doing chores, Ousmane loves to play soccer.