AAB Dormitory Update: Boys Receive Vital Donations, Reconstruction Site Installed

Work on the reconstruction of the Akany Avoko Bevalala (ABB) boy’s centre is set to begin soon, after the site has been officially installed.

A fire ripped through the centre’s dormitory on Friday 20^th September this year, destroying the dormitory where 34 vulnerable boys aged 10-18 had been staying for their protection, care and access to education.

Fortunately, the boys were at school when the blaze struck, so none were injured, and the centre’s staff acted swiftly to ensure the rest of the centre was undamaged.

But the disaster meant 14 of the boys were placed with foster families or, where possible, returned to stay with relatives, while 20 others are staying temporarily in another building at the Bevalala site.

The dormitory itself must be completely rebuilt, a project which will require the fire-damaged original building to be demolished.

That work came a step closer on 30^th November, when the project’s Steering Committee, made up of representatives from Money for Madagascar, the Radisson Blu Hotel, members of the Lions Club, the children’s judge, and the director and staff from the AAB centre itself, officially announced the site’s installation at a meeting on Saturday 30^th November.

The Committee meeting has confirmed and finalised each member organisation’s role and commitment, meaning the UpBat Mada construction company will begin work on the demolition and rebuilding as soon as funds for the project are transferred to the AAB centre.

At the same meeting, staff from the Radisson Blu Hotel and members of the Lion Club gave the 20 boys clothes, shoes, books and basic necessities including hygiene equipment.

As we have previously reported, Money for Madagascar provided those boys with supplies including pillows, blankets, shoes, toiletries, school supplies, cooking pots, rice, oil, sugar, and salt, on 30^th September.

Several organisations, associations, businesses and individuals from within the community have supported the centre with new mattresses, solar lamps, shelves, food and school supplies, and your generous donations have also helped us take critical steps to ensuring the boys’ safety and comfort.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has supported us with the Centre so far, and will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the rebuilding efforts and how your contributions are making a difference in the boys’ lives.

Please continue to donate to our appeal here.