There are several reasons why FELICA has committed to build and run an orphan reception centre (also called transitional care centre). Most importantly, FELICA has seen and lived the scarcity of state provision for child protection, as well as fostering and adoption services for orphans. There is the problem of abandoned babies, which often come from teenage mothers. Tradition, but increasingly also the risk of getting HIV, lead men to favour sexual relationships with young girls. These generally lack knowledge and power to negociate safe sex (an area FELCA is actively working in through peer education activities and social mobilisation campaigns). FELICA has also seen that the fabric of African families is changing, particularly in areas which get rapidly urbanised: Orphans can no more rely on the presence of an extended family, and many large families can hardly take up more children while they can not farm for subsistence in the urban context.
The orphan reception centre will be located in Coyah, about 40 km outside the centre of Conakry. Coyah is the capital of a prefecture which covers an area of 2,166 km². Coyah's population is growing rapidly through internal growth and immigration by people who come to urban areas to find work or a better life, or to flee unstable border areas.
Map showing Coyah outside Conakry
The site of the future orphan reception centre is in a lush, unspoilt area which came on sale in 2006 for development. Dr Loua was the first to choose her plot, and she decided for a plot on a gentle slope, with a small stream called Lambaloubékouré running through.
Dr Loua has acquired the land with her own funds, as an investment for the future of FELICA and the children of Guinea.
FELICA hopes to start building the orphan reception centre as soon as possible, in order to provide organised and quality service provision for orphaned and vulnerable children. The centre will be purpose built and employ the trained personnel required to diagnose, treat and re-home children. The centre will have capacity for 32 children and a medical practice will be built in the same compound for income generation and hence financial sustainability of the centre.
The first sketches for the centre have been drawn and architect plans are currently produced. So watch this space!
Dr Loua at the Lambaloubékouré
"I want to invest myself completely in this project and I know that we will build and manage the reception centre successfully", Dr Loua.
Orphan Reception Centre
FELICA hopes to start building the orphan reception centre as soon as possible, in order to provide organised and quality service provision for orphaned and vulnerable children. The centre will be purpose built and employ the trained personnel required to diagnose, treat and re-home children. The centre will have capacity for 32 children and a medical practice will be built in the same compound for income generation and hence financial sustainability of the centre.