My Life

by Sidi Fofana

My name is Sidi Lassana Fofana. I was born in Nouadhibou in 1982. I am 26 years old. I am studying English and I am a teacher. I teach children in primary school. I am the son of Lassana Fofana and Niouma Coulibaly. They were born in a little village. The village is named Boully and it is next to the boarder with Mali. It is surrounded by fields and some old houses. My parents attended school, but not for very long. After that, my father traveled over to Nouadhibou. He worked in a company called Miferma. Later, in 1974, Miferma was replaced by SNIM (Society National Industry Mauritania). After he had worked thirty two years, SNIM wanted to cut my father’s pay to only 25 UM ($0.10) per month. My father would not work for such a small amount. He argued with the manager, but we came away empty-handed, with nothing. Today, my parents are back in the village, but I am here in Nouakchott fighting for my life and theirs. I will build a new life.