Keeping faith: How prayers helped me find my mother
As Fran莽ois d鈥橝desky was forcibly separated from his mother at Bujumbura airport in 1953, she said if he prayed every day they would meet again. He kept his promise for 25 years.
***This programme contains language that some people may find offensive***
Francois d'Adesky was born in Rwanda in 1946 to a Rwandan princess and a white Belgian father. Unlike most 'Metis' of the time, Francois was acknowledged by his father and enjoyed an early childhood surrounded by the love of both of his parents. But that was all about to change.
When Francois was seven, his father was involved in near-fatal car accident that led to severe epilepsy. The family decided his health would be better served in Belgium 鈥� but as the flight prepared to leave, the pilot refused to allow Francois's African mother to board. She was left behind, promising Francois that if he prayed every morning and every night, they would see each other again. He spent the next 25 years trying to find her 鈥� and fighting for the rights and recognition of Metis children affected by Belgian colonialism.
(Photo: Francois and his mum reunited,1979. Credit: Francois d'Adesky)
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