WorldShare and TNT are reaching the youth of Timbuktu through an evangelistic youth centre called Elijah House.
Children living in the so-called 'belt of misery' (in which this region of Mali is located) are from families so poor that their parents cannot provide even basic essentials, such as food, clothing, and education.
A typical family of 10 to 12 will live in a small one-room hut made from sticks roped together and covered with braided mats. Other children may have lost one or both parents. These children are then the obligation of other family members who are also struggling to survive and cannot meet this additional burden.
At Elijah House, children ranging in age from 5 to 18 receive meals, clothing, medical care, and are registered in public school. Weekly Bible classes are held using stories, videos, Bible memorizing games, testimonies, books, art, and sports. These are powerful tools to help the children understand the Gospel, and a number of children have placed their faith in Christ.
Elijah House has been operational only a few years, but its reputation has spread throughout the region. City officials praise it despite its strong Christian emphasis. WorldShare would like to provide support for 65 children to participate this year. This help costs just £16 per child per month.
