Whatever Happened To … The Guy From Niger Who Dreamed Of Being A Leather Maestro?

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Soumana Saley, a leather craftsman from Niger.

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Pearl Mak/NPR

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Leather wallets made by Saley.

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Pearl Mak/NPR

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Leather sandals, made by Saley, on display along with other items.

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Pearl Mak/NPR

Source: NPR

Credit: Pearl Mak

Saley’s most recent visit to the school was last fall. «The thing that makes me happy is watching the students play and smile before they start classes,» he says. And he refuses to be discouraged by the events of 2020: «I believe things are going to be better. I always have hope.»

• leather
• Niger