House of Hope

In the city of Abomey, 81 miles north of the port of Cotonou where the Africa Mercy is currently docked, is an orphanage called the House of Hope. 
 
In February 2009, construction of the House of Hope came to completion. A one hectare piece of land was donated by the mayor of Abomey to Pierre Christ, a board-member of Mercy Ships Switzerland.

Christ and three others, including Daslin Oueounou (former Managing Director of the M/V Anastasis), Rebeccah Pratt (former Mercy Ships nurse), and Karen Olson, came together to form a board of directors that fundraised for the construction of the building, and continue to play an active role in the development of the facility.

Currently, the orphanage gives accommodation to 36 boys and girls of various ages, from as young as 4-years-old. The facility has the capacity for as many as 80 children.

Many of the children, who lost their parents or were left to fend for themselves, arrived at the House of Hope sick and traumatised. They have since found refuge in the loving arms of Arlette, the primary caregiver of the House of Hope.

Arlette left her home in the Ivory Coast to come to Benin to run the orphanage. “My own children are all grown up and independent now,” she said. “I have answered God’s call to come here to take care of these abandoned children.”

Each child has their own bed and clothing, and receives three meals a day. They are taught the importance of manners, routine, and responsibility. In teams of three, they take turns washing dishes each evening after dinner, and do likewise for the various chores around the orphanage.

The House of Hope is a place of safety and comfort for children with tragic and troubled pasts. Through the generous and loving actions of Mercy Ships staff and others, these children have each been given the hope and opportunity for happy and successful futures.