Construction of a reception centre

It is urgent to take measures to reduce infantile mortality and suffering. Malnutrition is a serious problem. In Africa , it affects 30 per cent (35 per cent in Mali ) of children under 5 years. Most of them are between 1 and 2 years.

In Gao, there is currently no orphanage or reception centre. Children whose mother or father has died do not benefit from any structure. They are generally taken in by a member of the family, often an aunt or a grandmother. However, many families live below the poverty line, and an additional mouth to feed becomes problematic or even impossible.

Those who are lucky enough to survive will at a very young age be put on the street and made to work hard to receive some food. Often beaten and used as slaves, they will not have the opportunity of going to school. The future of these children is compromised. Without speaking about the most elementary human rights - access to care, food and education - the plight of these children seriously hinders the economic development of the country.

Maintaining these people in uncertainty worsens the already catastrophic situation of these areas of the Sahel . Misery generates misery, and overpopulation is a direct consequence. The higher the death rate the more the birth rate increases. It should not be forgotten that in these social strata, children are the only old-age insurance.

If one wants to improve the economy of a country, it is necessary to care for the children first. Children are tomorrow's future. Educating people is the best way to fight against impoverishment. However, without a balanced diet and health check-ups, schooling becomes impossible.

Increasing the population's awareness of hygiene, food, education, life in society and the respect for the environment ensures not only the future of the oldest and youngest, but also a better and worthier quality of life for everyone.

Our participation in the growth and nurturing of children must be useful and effective. It should enable them to acquire the necessary aptitudes during their early childhood and to seize their chance regarding education. It should allow them to become confident adolescents, able to contribute to democratic society at home, at school, within their community and their country.

Our project aims at taking care of the most disadvantaged, particularly orphaned children who cannot be taken in by a member of their family.

In order to provide the elements necessary to their development and nurturing, a building of 600m2 was realized in 2012 on a ground given by the municipality.

The construction was financed by a Genevan foundation and diverse donors.