Mali: report 2013

September, October 2013  :  We are very happy to see that all the orphans are well.  Being well fed will enable them to cope with the rigours of the cold season.  The price of basic foodstuffs has risen enormously, but our priority remains to continue with our programme which works well and gives results.  The local women have now understood how important it is to feed young children on a diet that is adapted to their age.  However, there is still a lot of work to do in the area of pre- and post-natal care.  Much of this problem is due to the absence of state run health services, and the difficulty of accessing the services that do exist.

November, December 2013  :      During her three stays of a week, Sophie has concentrated on repairing the Reception Centre.  Several doors were ripped from their hinges, the interior of the building was ransacked, and the walls were damaged by the rebels.  Stone masons and carpenters are still working to return the building (l’Oasis Zankey Aljanahugo) to its former glory.

The main problem that remains is the lack of a permanent electricity supply.  There is electricity, but only at night and only three nights in four.  This makes it very hard to run the joint programmes with UNICEF that we have undertaken.  We must urgently find a generator to replace the one that was sent out but which has disappeared with the other “spoils of war”.

Despite these problems, the team continue to work conscienciously with Sophie, often working well into the night.

The two latest infant arrivals, are benefiting from all the attention of the team.  Until the centre has been refurbished, they have been placed in the care of their extended families.  The grandmothers, aunts, and other relatives listen carefully to the advice given by our team and the vaccination records are kept well up-to-date.

The whole of the AAG team would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2014.

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