HRH the Princess of Hanover began Her journey in Niamey, at the recently completed Health Centre for Research on Sickle-Cell Anaemia. This new structure results from a partnership between AMADE Mondiale, the Monegasque Government DCI (Bureau of International Cooperation), the Government of Niger and ALDN (Association for the Fight against Sickle-Cell Disease) in Niger. It will provide appropriate effective treatment for thousands of families and children affected by sickle-cell anaemia.
The Centre will open officially in the spring of 2009, and also aim at encouraging and developing scientific research on this genetic disease that affects blood and remains incurable.
HRH the Princess of Hanover was able to observe the state of advancement of construction and visit the different facilities, surrounded by the families and children who will benefit from it and in the presence of Lamine Issa, the Minister of Public Health of Niger, and members of the ALDN.
The day after Her arrival, HRH the Princess of Hanover and Her delegation travelled 125 km from Niamey to Kiota for a busy schedule, including a visit to the Centre for Nutritional Rehabilitation and Education ? set up by the DCI ? and a meeting with young pupils at the School Complex in Kiota.
Thanks to the generosity of the schools and libraries of the Principality of Monaco, many books and school supplies were collected for these children and shipped to Kiota through the action of AMADE Mondiale. HRH the Princess of Hanover participated in person in the distribution of this aid to the children of Kiota, an opportunity to share a privileged moment with them.
As in 2007, She was also able to meet with Sheikh Moussa Aboubacar Hassoumi, Caliph of the Tijani Brotherhood, a key figure when it comes to assistance to children in this part of Niger.
On Saturday 7 February, HRH the Princess of Hanover visited the village of Saga Fondo on the Ganguel Plateau, northwest of Niamey, to see the Integrated Medical Centre of Komba, funded by the DCI, and launch the project to improve schooling on the Ganguel Plateau.
The President of AMADE Mondiale proceeded with laying the cornerstone for two new schools. When they are completed, these buildings will accommodate 400 new pupils in a region where only 55% of children under age fifteen have regular access to education.
This project, scheduled over the next four years in partnership with AMADE, the DCI, the Government of Niger and local populations, also includes construction of 22 new classrooms and renovation of seven rooms presently in ruins. In all, over 1,500 children from ten Ganguel villages will have an opportunity to benefit from normal schooling.
HRH the Princess of Hanover inaugurated the launch of this project in the presence of the authorities of the Ganguel Region, village chiefs and the Governor of the Tillabery Region.
Photo Credit = Alain Benainous - Gamma
For more information
www.amade-mondiale.org
www.cooperation-monaco.gouv.mc
