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ACTS
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Orphan & Widow Care

“Love and Hope for Mother and Child”

ACTS is dedicated to transforming the lives of widows and orphans living in rural areas of Burkina Faso. They assist more than 500 children and 9,000 women.

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Because of the crushing poverty in Burkina Faso, especially among village widows and orphans, ACTS addresses critical physical, mental and spiritual needs.

Projects designed to make broken people whole include education, healthcare, nutrition, training for life, guidance and loving care for orphans. ACTS believes in giving a “hand up,” not just a “hand out.”

ACTS works among the most vulnerable people in one of the poorest countries in the world—Burkina Faso. Village widows and orphans have no voice and no means of support. Many are considered outcasts due to the fear of AIDS.

acts-photo-10-preparing_food_actscenterWidows have no opportunity for education and therefore have no hope of gaining skills necessary to support their family. In Burkina Faso approximately 84% of women are illiterate.  ACTS provides literacy, vocational training and hope to these women. Vocational training boosts their confidence and gives them skills in weaving, tie-dying, embroidery, sewing, carpentry and soap making. Women with skills can earn money to provide for their families.

Orphans find that relatives are reluctant to take them in because they are already struggling to care for their own children or they are afraid of the stigma of AIDS. In order to survive, orphans become victims of prostitution or live on the streets. Diseases such as malaria, meningitis, and polio kill many children already weakened by malnutrition. ACTS rescues orphans and cares for their needs.

ACTS provides a way out for widows and orphans through programs designed to make broken people whole.

  • Orphanage for forgotten children
  • Formal education and lunch program for preschool through secondary
  • Vocational training
  • Women’s co-op and literacy program
  • Publishing of relevant literature for rural families
  • Water, hygiene and sanitation, HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns
  • Ellel Medical Center
  • Human rights for women and children
  • Project of peace
  • Agricultural program

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Women gain new skills from classes such as tie-dying, weaving and sewing

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Nurse Rachel takes care of an orphan's sore at ACTS Ellel Medical Center

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Executive Director Joanna with a "graduating" class of pre-schoolers who are ready for first grade