Jun 15 2010 @ 09:43

A father working hard for the future

Frédéric Bambara lives in Garango, Burkina Faso with his three children – Irina, Cédric and Ingrid who are all under the age of 7. He is a true entrepreneur - diversifying his work amongst being a farmer, electrician, and coffee shop owner to ensure his children are well cared for.

Frédéric is driven, and knows that he wants his life – and that of his children – to be one of prosperity.

Volunteer Jean Francois Soublière, had the opportunity to live with Frédéric and his family during the two years he was working in Burkina Faso. Although Jean Francois has since moved to Malawi with EWB, he was quick to remember the times when Frédéric inspired him the most.

Jean Francois was particularly moved by Frédéric’s ambition to own a business to earn a more stable income for his family. Deciding that he could do this by owning a coffee shop, Frédéric diligently saved his modest extra income at the local credit union for over 10 years. Little by little, Frédéric purchased a table and chairs, a fridge, another table, another set of chairs, and another…and was finally able to open his store.

Jean Francois was living in Garango a few months after Frédéric opened his coffee shop – and got to see firsthand the fruits of Frédéric’s hard work.

“Frédéric had a vision of himself were he could be financially independent and take care of family,” says Jean Francois. “It took him 10 years, but he stuck to his dream and succeeded. I don't know of many men would can pull off something like that.”

Frédéric is committed to making sure his children have the life he envisions for them. But Jean Francois believes that this is just part of the reason why he is such a great Dad.

“What has stayed with me is that Frédéric’s children would always come to him to chat, and share their little problems,” notes Jean Francois. “He's such a wise and patient man with his kids, and it shows on their behavior – they’re all very calm and very insightful.”

EWB has the privilege of working with so many inspiring fathers like Frédéric all across West and Southern Africa, who work hard to give their children a prosperous future.

Father’s Day is on June 20th this year. Instead of the classic tie or golf club for your father, send an e-card and a gift in your Dad’s name to EWB. In doing so, you will be helping entrepreneurial fathers like Frédéric realize their aspirations for their children.

Send an e-card to your Dad now: ewb.ca/ecards

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