AKANY AVOKO FARAVOHITRA
We have been supporting Akany Avoko Faravohitra home for vulnerable girls in Antananarivo, Madagascar since 2016. Renovated with international support, this home provides a safe haven for girls who can no longer stay with their own families, wither because they have been orphaned or their home environment is no longer safe. The Malagasy courts place children at Akany Avoko Faravohitra, which has a capacity to house 50 girls.
Small Steps for Africa is supporting Akany Avoko Faravohitra in a number of ways and have funded the following:
- 20 beds and mattresses for the dormitories
- paying the wages of three staff members
- facilitating the sponsorship of 18 girls at the home
- renovating a classroom, via the Brian Baker Memorial Fund, set up in memory of Charlotte Baker's lat father, who was a great supporter of SSFA's work
- paying for the cooking equipment as part of a new café/restaurant to be staffed by girls at the home, as part of their further education
- working with Jason Jones Hairdressing in Lymington to build a new hairdressing training salon which opened in June 2019
- funding the complete renovation of the toilet block - increasing the number of working toilets from two to five
- providing washbags and pac-a-macs for girls at the home
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Keep reading below to see our impact and read about Aina's story.
Our Impact
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Skills for Independent Life
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Since 2016, SSFA has worked with Akany Avoko Faravohitra centre for vulnerable girls, which provides a safe haven for girls who have had a difficult start in life. They are placed at the centre by the Malagasy children's court and given the chance to learn new skills and prepare for independent life beyond AAF.
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One girl who has benefited from the care of AAF is Aina. She had a difficult childhood, losing both her parents at a young age and living with her grandmother, who struggled to provide for Aina and her siblings.
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AAF provides girls with various education opportunities, including formal schooling, college diplomas and other vocational courses, including hairdressing, hospitality, cooking, handicraft making and beauty. During her time in the care of AAF, with the support of her sponsor, Aina was able to complete and pass her diploma in hospitality.
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Following a successful work experience placement, Aina has recently started work in a top hotel, and is transitioning to independent life, moving in with her sisters in a shared home in Antananarivo.
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For more information on how you could change a life, take a look at our sponsorship page here.
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