Mali: report 2006

September 2006: Our little Saouda bears no resemblance to the emaciated baby of last July. She is lovely, with her chubby cheeks and plump arms and legs.

The work at the CSCOM in the 8 th neighbourhood is nearly finished. Relations with the nursing staff are improving. Everyone is happy to see their workplace become practical and attractive. Thanks to the material due from Switzerland at the beginning of December, the Health Centre will finally be worthy of it's name.

Ready for the imminent return to school we equip our eleven students with the necessary clothing. Sophie buys them school bags for 1,000 FCFA (2,19 CAD ou 2,08$) each. What happiness this brings.!

The secure food project for the 251 children of Bellabougou is assured. The PAM will give us the necessary stocks. Thanks go to Mohamed.

Conversely, concerning our food, everything is blocked. The children cannot wait for a resolution of the problems with the government. Sophie decides to replace the food in question with a paste made with rice flour which is very rich. Sourghou will negotiate the price of the rice, have it washed, ground and put into sacks. Once boiled in milk with oil and sugar added it is very nutritious.

The rainy season didn't bring enough rain to ensure adequate supplies. The pastures are already turning brown and prices are rocketing. There is no hope that they will reduce. We, therefore, have to rebuild our stocks as the opportunity arises. If the cost proves to be much lower we will buy millet directly from the growers, we are looking for a solution for milk supplies in Algeria as we still have no word from Nestlé.

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Saouda, 16 months

Birthing room CSCOM

Consultation room