Joan Gono’s Orphanage

The Mountain Forum for Peace fiscally sponsored Joan Gono’s orphanage in N’Zérékoré, Guinea, to facilitate $25,000 in anonymous donations for much needed improvements and operating costs.

OVERVIEW AND NEW ADDITIONS

Joan has provided a safe haven to orphaned and other vulnerable children in her West African community for nearly 14 years. The year of 2021—as the world continues to grapple with the pandemic—has been no exception. Joan welcomed two new children to her orphanage family. Benedict’s mother died when he was just a month old. Unable to care for the baby, his father brought Beni, now nearly 1, to Joan. Three-year-old Nema’s parents abandoned him, and a member of his village sought refuge for him with Joan. Beni and Nema are growing stronger and healthier every day in the orphanage’s nurturing environment.

The orphanage currently supports 30 children, ranging in age from 11 months to 16 years old. Contributions raised in 2020 paid for their health care and medicine, food, school fees, clothing, school supplies, and education—all key to the children’s continued well-being. The funds also helped pay for new mattresses and bunk beds, along with rent, transportation, and staff salaries.

ONGOING NEEDS

Joan continues to rely on donors to help with the day-to-day costs of keeping the orphanage running and the children safe and healthy. She does not receive government funding and has limited income from running a small guesthouse, which has had fewer travelers due to the pandemic. Specific needs for this application are outlined below.

BACKGROUND ON ORPHANAGE

Since 2008, Joan has ensured a better life and brighter future for more than 60 children whose lives were forever changed by the death of one or both parents or their inability to care for them. And since 2012, the year I met Joan and visited her orphanage, donors, including MFP, have helped to keep the orphanage safe and open.

ABOUT JOAN

Joan Gono is a well-respected member of the N’Zérékoré community, and former employee of the local Red Cross. She runs several charities, focusing on the rights of women and children, including operation of this orphanage for children whose parents have died (from AIDS, childbirth, etc.) or are no longer able to care for them. In addition, Joan has a strong support network, which is essential in helping her to ensure that the orphanage operates smoothly and is managed properly.