Send the Balma Family to Burkina Faso

Sakwende Balma came to the United States in 2014 with a few dollars and the deep-seated hope and courage of his mother Wendyam. The day Sakwende departed Burkina Faso for NYC, his mother held his face tenderly, and with tears streaming down her face, asked “Sakwende, will I see you again before I die?”

My name is Allan Broadbent, and I met Sakwende by chance - he was the Uber driver who picked me up in November 2022 to go to JFK. During our drive, and subsequent trips, I learned about Sakwend's journey, and his courageous mother Wendyam. In the late 1980s, against her husband's wishes, Wendyam traveled with her 6 children from Korsimoro (a small village in the countryside) to the big city, Ouagadougou, to attempt to give her children the opportunities that she never had.

Sakwende studied hard while his mother worked day and night to afford a roof over their heads and the school supplies they needed. After Sakwende graduated from college, Wendyam sold the small family farm so she could send Sakwende to the United States. Sakwende has worked nonstop since arriving in the United States. He has developed a following of wonderful customers who appreciate his warmth and humility. He is now able to support his mother and siblings in Burkina Faso. He and his wife Wendinso have 4 young children and they hope that Wendyam will be able to meet her grandchildren.

Returning to Burkina Faso with his wife and children will cost around $10,000 (travel expenses plus lost income). Sakwende has been steadily saving for this trip, but it will likely be another decade before he will have enough saved, and by that point, his mother may no longer be alive.

If each of you donates, he and his family could make the trip this year! Together, we can send Sakwende and his young family to see his mother Wendyam in Burkina Faso. Please consider donating today!

Even $10 will help!

With gratitude,

Allan and Corinne Broadbent

Bill and Sarah Broadbent