On a former rubbish dump, a place of dignity has emerged: in "Village AYOBÂ L'Espoir", elderly, sick and disabled people find a home and loving care – and, thanks to the children from the orphanage, symbolic grandchildren who fill the village with life.
Village Ayobâ – the village «Good Day Hope»
Our newest project is Lotti Latrous’s passion project: the small village “Village AYOBÂ L’Espoir”, which can be roughly translated as “Hello, Hope.” In September 2019, we were fortunate to acquire a plot of around 2,500 square metres with dozens of old palm trees, directly adjacent to our Centre. Until then, the site had served as the neighbourhood’s rubbish dump.
We explained to the neighbours that we wanted to create something positive, and to everyone running a small business at the edge of the dump, we promised that they would not have to move, but that we would make space so they could continue their activities.
The new village is primarily intended for elderly people suffering from chronic illnesses. Diabetes, for example, can lead to blindness or amputations if untreated, making comprehensive care especially important. Additionally, we aim to welcome disabled and paralyzed people, who often live in Africa under particularly harsh and undignified conditions. Most receive help only from neighbours who themselves have very little.
Our intergenerational project, providing sick and disabled people with more than just a roof over their heads, was inaugurated in December 2020 after the Covid crisis. It includes thirteen small houses, a large African kitchen, six toilets, six showers, and separate prayer rooms for Christians and Muslims. A chicken coop provides fresh eggs daily.
The children from the orphanage often visit the village, filling it with laughter and joy. Here, they have symbolically found grandparents, and our seniors have grandchildren – a vibrant world full of happiness and delight.
