Girl with a sewing machine
The AMPO-MIA home was opened on 14th June 2003 and since then it has been dealing exclusively with the problems of female minors in need. These problems involve forced marriage, child labour, abuse rape, unwanted pregnancies and banishment from the family on account of HIV/AIDS.
The MIA home is directed by Souleymane Nana with love and commitment, accompanied by another five members of staff to look after the girls. Most girls learn about MIA because of its good reputation. Souleymane Nana also goes out at night and finds abandoned underage girls. There are many children in great need. Some girls are referred from „Action sociale“ and the RSDP/F network, similar to social services. After applying for care, an interview is arranged with the staff to classify the case as „internal“ or „external“. This classification does not reflect on the type of help offered, it is simply a question of whether the girls can be accommodated in the home or elsewhere.
The activities of MIA include accommodation, social and medical care, training, communication of social skills, sexual health awareness, care and initial upbringing of babies and toddlers, some of whom are severely traumatised, and the reintegration of the girls into society. Small-scale financing, often in conjunction with opening a bank account is another aspect. Medical care ranges from hospital treatment to specialist consultation, purchasing medicines and carefully selected application of traditional healing methods. Almost one third of the girls are HIV positive. This is dealt with and discussed openly so that people around can learn that it is possible to live together with people who are HIV positive or those suffering from AIDS. One of the main reasons for the mortality rate of many young girls is banishment from the family because of HIV/AIDS. It is a matter of great importance to AMPO-MIA to show the public that living together is a viable option.
The training sector includes tailoring, pottery and cooking in our own workshops, but we also organise external training opportunities. All of the girls attend courses at night school. They often meet over a meal to discuss subjects like ethics, correct behaviour, respect and family life.
Souleymane Nana and his staff attach particular importance to after-care once the girls have left. This is done in the form of home visits and visits to their place of work to make it easier for the girls to find their way back into society. This involves all kinds of help, constructive criticism and reintegration into family life. There is no fixed time-scale for after-care and none of the girls is simply left to fend for herself.
The Katrin Rohde Foundation provides the financial means to support AMPO-MIA.
AMPO-MIA
