Bohossou Ahou Clémence

Clémence is a 9-year-old girl growing up in a small village near Brobo within a farmer's family. Despite her tender age, Clémence faces numerous health challenges that significantly impact her daily life. She grapples with disabilities in her right hand and foot, alongside an intellectual developmental delay. Regrettably, these obstacles have prevented her from embarking on her educational journey, depriving her of the opportunity to sit among her peers at school desks and explore subjects that pique her curiosity.
The difficult economic situation and limited earnings of her family make it impossible for Clémence to access the essential medical assistance she desperately needs.
Timeline
JULY 2025
Delays in Treatment and Current Support Needs
The Heart Scholarship provides invaluable support for Clémence, who due to her disability finds herself in an extremely difficult situation. The girl suffers from deformities in her arms and legs, mental retardation, and possible epilepsy. These issues affect all aspects of her daily life, such as communication and motor skills. Clémence has difficulty speaking and understanding others' words. Furthermore, she sometimes faints. Many of her recent symptoms are a result of the delayed health interventions.
The girl's mother kept Clémence's problems a secret; they remained unresolved for three years; unfortunately, it was too late. Clémence's mother and grandmothers used to seek help from the nuns who referred her to the hospital. Unfortunately, treatment was impossible. Therefore, the mother and grandmother decided to take action and use traditional medicine which is unfortunately not effective. Clémence has a friend who also suffers from a disability; she devotes her free time to play.
Given the current situation of Clémence's family, continued funding for the Heart Scholarship is crucial. Her mother struggles to meet her daughter's basic needs by selling produce at the market. She also receives modest support from the girl's grandmothers. Unfortunately, neither the national government nor the local authorities have taken an interest in their situation, leaving them without any support.
For now, Clémence's future remains uncertain. It is unclear whether she will ever be able to work. Unfortunately, starting treatment is currently impossible because the scholarship funds are intended to cover the girl's most basic needs, such as food and clothes. Despite all this, hope remains, and despite enormous difficulties, Clémence remains brave to fight for every day.























