Children's Centre, Dondo, Sofala, Mozambique
Dondo Children's Centre was formed 2 years ago in response to the desperate need of children and young people in Mozambique. The project has grown from housing 6 to 22 orphans, ranging from 3-16 years old. Adopting a large family ethos the founder, Abel Faz-ver, his wife Judite and two members of staff aim to provide a loving, nurturing environment for the children in their care.
All the children housed at the centre have education at a local school and any medical needs are provided. Subsistance farming provides a basic source of food together with a chicken coop project which is part of a sustainability initiative that encourages self sufficiency.
At present the facilities are basic, but there are plans to improve and extend them to provide a higher standard of care and to allow greater numbers of orphans to be rescued and housed at the centre.
In addition to the 22 orphans living in the centre, 24 orphans in the local community are also provided for in a less formal way. These children are regularly fed, as resources allow, and respite is offered to some ageing grandparents, who are looking after grandchildren orphaned by AIDS, malaria or cholera and other diseases.
There is space on the land to extend the accommodation and plans exist for facilities that will allow up to 70 orphans to be cared for at the centre.
who.
The Children's Centre in Dondo is run by Abel Faz-ver, his wife Judite and two members of staff. Together they currently provide care for 22 orphans.
intro.
Mozambique has a population of over 22 million. The average life expectancy is just 41 years and the infant mortality rate is over 10% (Source: CIA World Fact Book). HIV prevalence among 15-49 year olds exceeds 10%. The effects of poverty and disease, combined with a 15 year civil war (which ended in 1992) and natural disasters including many devastating annual floods has left Mozamique as one of the poorest nations in the world, with a population where 44% are aged 14 or below.
where.
goals.
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Achieve universal primary education
- Reduce child mortality
- Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- Ensure environmental sustainability