The AMAL Project lands in Antigua and Barbuda following Hurricane Irma
Devoted empowers early childhood development and provides children, in emergency settings and developing countries, a safe place to play, develop and grow. By transforming decommissioned shipping containers into beautiful, solar-powered Early Childhood Development Centers filled with play activities, children can reinforce their physical, cognitive and social and emotional development.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, over an estimated 271, 000 children in the Caribbean region were directly affected, loosing all their belongings, their homes, and their schools. The island of Barbuda was among the hardest hit by Irma, as all its residents were evacuated to neighbouring Antigua before the entire island was nearly destroyed by the storm.
The children who have lived through these traumatic events deserve a safe place to play, learn and regain their psychological well being. Through play, children explore the world around them and develop skills to build a strong foundation for future success.
It is an ongoing mission for The AMAL Project, to be able to sustain the need for children to have access to such centers of hope. This project is also set to achieve immediate and lasting change and inspire innovation in the way the world treats children.
The centers of hope provide children aged 3-5 with the necessary age appropriate resources and materials to support their early childhood development and accommodate up to 48 kids on a daily basis attending in 4 shifts.
“Although we work to achieve the rights of all children, our priority extends primarily to those who are deprived and marginalized, and we advocate for others to do the same” says Founder of The AMAL Project Nadine Arton.
Upcoming centers of hope will include Uganda, which hosts nearly 900,000 refugees of which 58% are children, Bangladesh, where 61 million children suffer from malnutrition, lack appropriate stimulation and early learning opportunities, Botswana, Ethiopia, among others.
Unlike many other organizations and initiatives, The AMAL Project does not rely on any funding from government grants. Support comes entirely from private individuals, associations, foundations, and businesses who entrust the project with resources so that it can fulfill its humanitarian and philanthropic mission.
To become part of the dedication to ensure the lives of as many children are touched, visit theamalproject.net to see how you can get involved.