By Jocelyn W Bonner | Project Co-Leader
Dear Supporters:
Many thanks for your financial support of Les Amis de la (Friends of) Saint Camille's project to Open the First Addiction Center in Benin, West Africa. Thanks to you, we surpassed our goal of funding one pavillion (gazebo) and are well on our way to funding two! Ultimately, we would like to reach a goal of funding a third pavillion ($5,000 USD) and the central treatment building ($29,000 USD).
The addiction center is partially constructed in Dassa, Benin. New construction on the pavillions has not started yet, but will start soon. It is not cost effective for Gregoire Ahongbonon, the founder of Association Saint Camille, to hire a crew only for the pavillions. We are expecting an influx of funding from our Canadian and European partners within the next few months and, in combination with GlobalGiving donations, will cover the entire cost of finishing the center.
In preparation for opening, I have consulted with several psychiatric addiction experts. We will be prepared to offer state of the art treatment for this special population. Five nursing students from Association Saint Camille are currently in training at the School of Public Health in Burkina Faso. Gregoire's daughter, a physician, has completed her psychiatry training in Burkina Faso and has joined her father in this important mission. They continue to find people in chains, unhoused, and untreated so the work is far from over. Expanding the local expertise is critical.
These are exciting developments and we will continue to share our progress with you. Thanks again for joining us in bringing dignity and treatment to the mentally ill and addiction population in French West Africa.
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