In the village of Germain te Blan, we live as a close-knit community, supporting one another through both the hard times and the joyful moments, like weddings. When someone is facing challenges, we come together to help, making sure that no one feels alone.

Agriculture is at the heart of our village life. We have large gardens where we grow beans, okra, roots, and corn. Many of us also raise livestock, including cows, goats, chickens, and pigs, which provide us with meat. These gardens and animals sustain our families and keep our village thriving.

We have a local leader who offers guidance and plays a key role in the community. He teaches music and also helps with healthcare, ensuring that we have someone to turn to when we’re in need. Occasionally, the Red Cross visits our area, distributing hygiene supplies to those in need. Many years ago, foreigners came and grew rice and tobacco here when there was plentiful rain. But since the rains stopped, so did the rice farming, and the people who came to grow it have left.

For healthcare, there is only one small clinic in the village. When someone falls seriously ill, we either carry them or use moto taxis to transport them to Cazale or a larger hospital. Most women give birth at home with the help of birth attendants, and those with complications try to make it to a hospital, although it’s difficult to find one open these days. When people pass away, they are usually buried within 24 hours, with only a few being taken to the morgue.

Our homes are mostly made from cinder blocks with tin or cement roofs, but some are constructed from sticks, tarps, rocks, and clay. We adapt with the resources available to us.

There’s one school in Germain te Blan, where children can attend up to the 6th grade. For fun, the boys enjoy playing soccer, marbles, riding bikes, and swimming in the river, while the girls spend their time jumping rope, playing with dolls, and taking care of animals. The village has one Protestant church and two voodoo temples, reflecting our diverse spiritual practices.

Though developing the area is a challenge, we know that by working together we can make progress. For leisure, we enjoy watching soccer games on TV, telling jokes, and listening to the radio.

Our meals are simple but nourishing, with staples like eggs, bread, coffee, and rice. Despite the difficulties we face, life in Germain te Blan is about community, resilience, and finding joy in the small things.