A Day of Camaraderie Compliments of the EU

Feb. 21, 2013 text and photos by Kate Bialous

Sponsored by
the European Union.

Twice a year we organize a staff leisure day sponsored by the E.U. Grant "Ici et Ailleurs". It gives a chance for our employees to get to know each other outside of work. And as before, the staff from 3 sister centers joined together to play and socialize.

Employees of each center prepared activities for their colleagues. There were fun indoor games and outdoor activities such as football (soccer), basketball and a dodgeball game. For those not interested in sport, there was an opportunity to sing in a karaoke, one of the most popular Malagasy social activities.

Work colleagues who on a daily basis look after children in their centers like Akany Avoko had a chance to have good fun and play as if they were children themselves. As dancing is probably the favorite amusement in Madagascar, we did not forget traditional dances to the tropical rhythms.
The day was full of positive energy and a good spirit in the air.

Different games showed how strong our staff can be when working together as teams. One for all, all for one!

A tired team ready to head home.

The Dentists are Back

A good examination is always the first step.

Sep. 6, 2012 text and photos by Chad Lebo

It is that time of year of again. Rainy season? No. Tourist season? No. Dentist season? Yes.

For the 3rd year in a row, we are glad to welcome generous Spanish dentists from Dentistas sin Limites (Dentists Unlimited). This year, 17 dedicated dentists volunteered their time and skill to care for the children of Madagascar. Over 3 weeks of traversing the country, the dentists treated more than a 1,000 patients.

The outdoor examination room.

Some Thirsty Babies Need Your Help

One hungry baby getting stronger and healthier with each bottle.

March 2, 2011 Text and Photos by Chad Lebo

Babies love to drink. And drink. And drink. Since our children no longer have their mothers with them, we must provide them the best alternative to breast milk--baby formula. This is an expensive prospect even in the developed world and here it is even worse.

The expense is exaggerated right now by the fact that we have more babies living at Akany than we have had in years. There are 8 babies that need formula every day. Eight lovely, hungry babies.

New Year...New Teeth

The smiles say it all.

Jan. 21, 2011 Text and Photo by Chad Lebo

Healthcare is an important aspect of Akany Avoko's mission. This includes providing clean water, healthy food, vaccines and medicine. But healthcare also includes dental health.

While at Akany, the children are able to maintain healthy teeth and gums. They brush regularly and receive an annual cleaning and checkup. But some children do have dental difficulties from their previous lives that do need attention. The two girls above were both in need of some false teeth. One needed four new top front teeth.

Just last week, Akany was able to send them to a good local dentist for treatment. Good treatment. Look at the photo of the two happy and confident girls and try and tell which has four new front teeth. Not easy is it?

This is just a small but important example of what your donations can help make possible at Akany. Thank you for your support.

What's Spanish for "Open Wide"?

One of the 158 patients the Dentistas sin Limites examined during their volunteer work at Akany Avoko.

Sep. 11, 2010 text by Chad Lebo, photos by Lorna Gillespie

There are some happy and healthy mouths around Akany Avoko that would like to say gracias to a band of very generous Spanish dentists. Volunteers from Dentistas sin Limites (Dentists Unliminted) travelled and examined their way across Madagascar for three weeks.