When the New York Times journalist found Mark in October 2006 this 4-yr old little boy told the plight of his story through his eyes. In this one picture there is a feeling that all hope is lost. Mark had been sold by his mother for $25 ($US) to a fisherman in northern Ghana.

Mark at age 4yrs - October 2006

Mark working as a slave for a fisherman - October 2006

The fisherman who bought Mark could only afford to pay for a small little boy. Even so, Mark was expected to work 12 hour days untangling fishing nets by diving into the deep waters, oftentimes in the pitch black of night and the dangers of drowning. With only one meal served to him a day and nominal hours of sleep, Mark survived to be rescued by Touch A Life's founder, Pam Cope. She purchased his freedom along with six others for $500 per child.  Pam had seen Mark's picture on the front page of The New York Times on that fateful day in October 2006 and moved to find this little one and to free him.

After Mark and the six other children were rescued by Touch A Life Foundation the Village of Hope orphanage agreed to open their doors to these seven children. Now living at the orphanage, these children have a hopeful future. They are cared for, given meals three times a day, have safe shelter and are enrolled in school.

Mark at Children's Art Village Art & Music Camp - Summer 2008

Mark - January 2008

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