We Are Growing Vegetables Now
Food security! Here are some of the vegetables that we are growing.
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Some Potatoes From Our Farmland
Here are some potatoes that we were able to harvest from our farmland. It is our first experience, and we will cultivate more in the next rainy season.
Teachers’ Meeting at Stephen Joseph High School
A formal meeting took place the teachers at Stephen Joseph High School to organize the work and set goals for the school year. The teachers are ready and motivated to do their best to see the Stephen Joseph High School shine in the near future!
First Day of Class at Stephen Joseph High School in Burkina Faso
The students partake in the first day of class at Stephen Joseph High School in Burkina Faso.
Stephen Joseph High School in Kaya
We have about 70 school tables and 40 chairs to start this school year. About 12 students from the Orphanage will start attending. We are now in the process of hiring the teachers and we expect the classes to start next week. It was truly a challenging project but it’s becoming more and more a […]
Making Progress with the Farmland
Here are some pictures of the farm. We had a heavy rain yesterday. There was some damage at places, but we are okay.
Progress on High School Construction
We are making progress on the high school construction.
Water on the Farmland
Water is now available at the farmland. We can farm now around the whole year. It’s thanks to your support that this is possible now. We will be farming water melon, vegetables and beans.
Vocational/Technical School Students – Boys
Six of our second year vocation/technical students were successful in passing the national qualifying exam. They are studying topography, civil engineering, auto mechanics, metal contruction and electricity. They are looking to go further with their training to get a professional Baccalaureate. They want to pursue university studies later when they have opportunity.
Vocational/Technical School Students – Girls
These vocational/technical students are studying sewing.
Two More Students Going to University
We are so glad to share with you the graduation of two boys from the Orphanage for University. They both arrived at the orphanage in 2008. We feel so encouraged by such positive performance.
Water Tower for the Farmland
We have been able set up the water tower that we are going to pump from the well and distribute for farming. The coming week we will immerge the solar pump in the well and also put the solar panels in place.
Studio Recordings of Children Singing
Something positive! Pauline conducted some children from the Orphanage to record their first two songs to magnify God and lift up the name of out Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Drilling a New Water Well
God answered our prayers. We drilled to 25 meters deep and we intially had some waterm but then it stopped. We keept working hard and drillin got 60 meters deep and the water started coming out again. This is a really big day!
Working on the High School Roof
We have been busy this week working on the roof. The whole project will take about 5 days. We are so glad this step is being finishing now.
One of Our University Students
This is one of our university students. It seems he’s having great time at the university.
Progress on the High School Construction
We are making great strides in the progress of the high school construction!
Civil Engineering Student in Fada N’gourma
Jean is a civil engineering student in Fada N’gourma, Burkina Faso.
Kaya’s Kids Chess Team
The Kaya’s Kids Chess Team is unstoppable!
Chess Program and Team
Every month for the past 6 years, Impact Coaching Network has donated $200 towards the Paradise Orphanage in Burkina Faso with the goal of helping them develop a chess program & team.
Kaya’s Kids Chess Team
Here are some photos of the Kaya’s Kids Chess Team.
Food Distribution for Refugee Children
These photos are from when we organized a food distribution in November in Kaya for refugee children.
Christmas Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage
Here are some photos of our Christmas celebration at the Paradise Orphanage. It was so great. We are so thankful to the Herr family for providing support for this very special moment of the year. May God continue to bless them.
Vocational Students – Auto Mechanic and Electrician Training
Here are pictures of our 4 vocational students. They are all in the second year of training in auto mechanic and electrician training. They are doing well and will be back this Christmas holiday at the Paradise Orphanage. We say thank you again to the Herr family for their generosity and support to these young […]
Our Vocational Student Studying Auto Mechanics
This is one of our vocational students. He is so thankful to the Herr family for giving him such opportunity to learn how to repair cars engines. He has one more year of training. He’s a very serious student. He’s is so happy and very excited about his training. May God continue to bless the […]
Five Students Attending Vocational Training
Here are photos of five students attending vocational training. They are study studying metallic construction design, civil engineering and topography.
Welding Work for a Water Tank
This photo is of welding work to build up a support for the water tank on the farmland.
Water for the Farmland
We drilled for many hours to get to a depth of 90 meters. We now have enough water for farming.
University Students Preparing for Departure
Our university students are getting ready to leave for school. Each university student received a laptop to be used for their coursework. They feel so blessed to each have a computer.
Harvest Time During the Rainy Season
These are photos from the harvest during the rainy season. This rainy season was not good for the farmers here, but we are thankful to have harvested about 450 kg of beans for the orphanage.
New School Year at the Paradise Orphanage
We have been busy preparing for the beginning of the new school year. Photos include morning prayer in our elementary school and boys and girls receiving their copy books.
Farming at the Orphanage: Beans, Chicks and Guinea Fowl
Beans have been gathered from the farming practice. The homemade egg incubator has hatched more than 40 chicks and Guinea fowl.
Chess School with Tunde Onakoya
Our Chess School, held July 14th through the 26th, and led by Tunde Onakoya from Nigeria, was a huge success!
Kaya’s Kids Chess Tournament
Incredible! After only two weeks of intensive training led by Tunde Onakoya – the students of Kaya’s Kids in Burkina Faso, West Africa compete in their first ever chess tournament!
2021 Chess School Graduation Ceremony
Congratulations to the 2021 Chess School graduates at the Paradise Orphanage in Kaya, Burkina Faso, West Africa.
Advocate Barn Sale – Summer 2021
The Barn Sale is open for business!
High School Construction – June 2021 Update
The work continues! We are hoping to start courses this upcoming school year.
Christmas Uniforms
Here are some pictures of the children with their Christmas 2020 uniforms.
The Orphans Are Growing Up!
Hubert was living at the Paradise Orphanage and has now moved away.
Technical/Vocational Students – Back to School
The five boys are back to school!
Technical/Vocational Students – Back at the Paradise Orphanage
The five boys are back at the Paradise Orphanage.
Technical/Vocational Students – Training in Ouagadougou
Georges and Esther visited the boys studying at the Vocational/Technical School in Ouagadougou.
French School Workbooks Received from Montreal
A series of French school workbooks collected by the Montreal Book Project was sent to Burkina Faso to an elementary school.
Flashback – 2019 Christmas Celebration Uniforms
Reminiscing back to last Christmas when the girls wore their Christmas Celebration uniforms.
High School Construction – Second Floor Installation
The construction of the high school is coming along nicely. The second floor is in the process of being installed.
High School Construction – Pouring Concrete for the First Floor
Setting the foundation for future learning!
High School Construction – Iron Work
The team is making great progress on the high school!
2020 Primary School and High School Graduates
Congratulations to the primary school and high school graduating class of 2020!
2020 High School Graduates
Congratulations to the high school graduating class of 2020!
32 Bins of Clothing Have Arrived!
Grateful for the clothing for the children!
Clothing and Shoes Received!
Clothing and shoes received from Montreal!
19 Bins of Clothing Have Arrived!
Wow! Clothing has arrived at the Paradise Orphanage!
Progress Update: High School Construction (June 2020)
Making progress! Check out the latest in the high school construction.
Clothing for the Refugees in Kaya
Clothing (e.g., dresses sewn on Long Island) being shipped out of Montreal for the refugees in Kaya.
Progress Update: High School Construction (March 2020)
Video update! The high school construction is taking shape!
Progress Update: High School Construction (January 2020)
More on the high school construction!
2019 Christmas Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage
Jesus is born! Here are some photos from the Christmas celebration at the Paradise Orphanage.
Medical Team at the Paradise Orphanage
A medical team visited the Paradise Orphanage to provide basic medical services to the children.
Wedding of Charles Sawadogo, CFO of the Paradise Orphanage
Below are photos from the wedding of Wedding of Charles Sawadogo, CFO of the Paradise Orphanage.
First Day of Class at the Primary School
Below are photos from the first day of class at the Primary School.
High School Construction Progress Update (July 2019)
Below are photos of progress from the high school construction.
Refugee Families at the Paradise Orphanage
Below are photos of the refugee families at the Paradise Orphanage.
High School Construction Progress Update (May 2019)
Below are photos and videos of progress from the high school construction.
Kaya’s Kids Chess Program
The Impact Coaching Network (ICN), based in New York City, is thrilled to introduce the Kaya’s Kids chess program in Burkina Faso, West Africa.
New Clothing from Canada
Below are photos and videos from when new clothing arrived from Canada on Feb 16, 2019. The clothing was sent by Carla and Len.
High School Construction (Feb 2019)
Below are a photo and videos from the high school construction on Feb 3, 2019.
2018 History and Milestones
Please take a look at our History and Milestones from 2018.
A Shipment From Canada
Below are photos from A Shipment From Canada on Jan 24, 2019. This was made possible by Len and Carla.
Christmas Party at the Paradise Orphanage
Below are photos and videos from the Christmas Party at the Paradise Orphanage on Jan 12, 2019.
10th Anniversary Celebration: Documentary Highlights
Below are photos related to the documentary that took place at the 10th Anniversary Celebration.
10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/18/2018
Below are photos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 18, 2018.
10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/15/2018
Below are photos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 15, 2018.
10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/14/2018
Below are photos and videos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 14, 2018.
10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/13/2018
Below are videos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 13, 2018.
10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/11/2018
Below is a photo from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 11, 2018.
10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/9/2018
Below are photos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 9, 2018.
10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/8/2018
Below is a photo from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 8, 2018.
10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/6/2018
Below are videos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 6, 2018.
10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/4/2018
Below is a photo and videos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 4, 2018.
Students Using the New Computer Lab
Below are photos of students using the new computer lab.
Computer Lab Completed
Below are photos of the new computer lab.
Filming at the Ontario Christian Gleaners
A letter from Fran & Howie…
Computers Arrived at the Orphanage
A letter from Charles…
Charles Sawadogo Attends Educators’ Conference in Ghana
Charles Sawadogo attended the Yale Young African Scholars conference held in Ghana in mid-August 2018.
A Boy Returned to God
A letter from Charles…
Construction and Having Fun at the Paradise Orphanage!
Here are photos and a video of the children working on a construction project and having fun at the Paradise Orphanage.
Celebrating Christmas Video from Charles
Charles Sawadogo sent a video of the children celebrating Christmas at the Paradise Orphanage.
Celebrating Christmas Message and Photos
Here is a message from Charles Sawadogo along with photos of children celebrating Christmas at the Paradise Orphanage.
2017 Winter Update from Howie Makofsky, Director of Kaya’s Kids, Inc.
A letter from Howard & Frances Makofsky…
Esther and Georges Try on Aprons
Esther and George try on aprons brought by the documentary film team.
2017 Christmas Campaign: Comfort and Joy!
Bring the joy of comfort this holiday season to a child at Paradise Orphanage in Burkina Faso, West Africa.
Well Deserved Rest for the Parents of 120 Kids!
This photo captures a rare moment when Esther and George actually were just relaxing at the orphanage on a Sunday.
Children with Their New Dresses and Shorts from Long Island Quilts for Kids
Below are photos of children with their new dresses and shorts from Long Island Quilts for Kids at the Paradise Orphanage!
Back to School at the Paradise Orphanage!
Below are photos of the children starting the new school year at the Paradise Orphanage!
Paradise Orphanage Newsletter – September 2017
Check out our latest Newsletter…
Video Update from Charles Sawadogo
A message from Charles…
Construction Progress of New Classrooms
Below are photos of the new classrooms including installations of the roof, windows and door.
Additional Work on the Wall Construction
Photos below include additional work on the wall construction!
Environmental Certificate and End of School Year Activities
Our school has participated in that competition and has been awarded. The certificate appears in the gallery below as well as end of school year activities.
Wall Construction Progressing Well!
Photos below include the wall construction!
Stone by Stone – Building The Paradise Orphanage – June 2017 Newsletter
Here is the latest newsletter on the documentary.
Contribute to the Making of Stone By Stone – the Documentary – Round 2
Please consider helping us fund the documentary.
Future High School Wall Construction is Underway!
Photos below include construction of the wall for the future high school!
Children Dancing at the Paradise Orphanage
Dance and be joyous!
Beautiful Handmade Shorts for the Children
This photo is of Corinne Franco and Howard Makofsky, the founder of Kaya’s Kids, Inc. Corrine has graciously produced beautiful shorts for the children at the Paradise Orphanage.
Construction Projects Moving Forward
Photos below include assembly of bed frames, the construction of the extra classroom for the school, and sand and gravel placed on new land for the construction of a store.
Girls Working With a Loom at the Paradise Orphanage
Below are photos of girls working with a loom at the Paradise Orphanage.
Arrival of Mattresses at the Paradise Orphanage
Below are photos of the arrival of mattresses at the Paradise Orphanage.
Rejoicing Day at the Paradise Orphanage: Truck Delivered
Below are photos of the first automobile delivered to the Paradise Orphanage.
Automobile Delivered to Burkina Faso
Below is a photo of the automobile delivered to Burkina Faso and is on the way to the Paradise Orphanage.
2016 Christmas Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage
Below are photos of the 2016 Christmas Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage.
Christmas Campaign: Comfort and Joy!
Bring the joy of comfort this holiday season to a child at Paradise Orphanage in Burkina Faso, West Africa.
Students at the High School and Primary School
Below are photos of students at the Paradise Orphanage High School and Primary School.
First Automobile for the Paradise Orphanage
Scott Paskiewicz, from Eastport Bible Church on Long Island, standing next to our newly purchased 2011 Ford F-150 truck.
Update from Charles Sawadogo
A message from Charles…
New Moped to Be Used for Errands, Emergencies and General Mobility
We are happy to report that the new moped for the orphanage has been purchased with the donation portion of our Indiegogo campaign this summer.
Newsletter – Summer 2016
Newsletter Highlights: This year, 70 of the 120 children are off to the local High School.
Stone by Stone in Advocate: Documentary filming benefit concert for African orphanage
Andrew Wagstaff of Amherst Citizen-Record wrote an article entitled, “Stone by Stone in Advocate: Documentary filming benefit concert for African orphanage”.
Benefit Concert on 8/5/2016 in Advocate Harbour, Canada
Foggy Bottom presents a Benefit Concert on Friday, August 5th, 2016 in Advocate Harbour, Canada, for the Paradise Orphanage / Kaya’s Kids.
Contribute to the Making of the “Stone By Stone” Documentary
Please consider contributing to the making of our documentary.
“Stone By Stone” – A Documentary Film
A note about our documentary…
New Shoes for the Children
Money for the shoes was donated from patients and staff at the PT office of Dr. Scott Paskiewicz in Ridge, NY this past Christmas.
Christmas at the Paradise Orphanage
Christmastime is here!
Update on the New Classrooms
Desk assembly and more!
Door and Window Production Comes to the Paradise Orphanage
Open the door to new possibilities!
Training Session: Children with Disabilities in Institutions
A training session was held in the Paradise Orphanage from June 11-13, 2015.
Construction of Classroom Roofs
Rooftop installation in progress…
News from the Ontario Christian Gleaners – Summer 2015
Attached please find an update from the Ontario Christian Gleaners and their support of the Paradise Orphanage.
Christmas Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage
Christmas—time to celebrate!
Construction of Classrooms at the Paradise Orphanage
Lots of learning to come!
Fresh Milk at the Paradise Orphanage
Lessons in animal husbandry and harvesting fresh milk!
Children Playing Soccer at the Paradise Orphanage
Teamwork in action!
IT Training at the Paradise Orphanage
Technology for learning!
Newsletter – Summer 2013
Newsletter Highlights include financial needs of today, a new dining room has been built complete with tables and benches, all 122 children boarded a bus with a picnic lunch and headed to the zoo for a class trip, and more!
A Visit to the Paradise Orphanage
A trip to the Paradise Orphanage…
Update from Georges and Esther Sawadogo from the Paradise Orphanage
Here is a wonderful update from Georges and Esther Sawadogo on the Paradise Orphanage complete with stories and pictures of the children.
Classrooms and Education at the Paradise Orphanage
Learning and playing at the Paradise Orphanage.
Construction at the Paradise Orphanage
The start of something new…
Secretaries in Training at the Paradise Orphanage
Hard at work!
Newsletter – Winter 2012
Newsletter highlights include children receiving new school uniforms from Canada, 1000 lbs of soup shipped from Ontario Christian Gleaners, surgery was a success for Guedalia, children help with fundraising and a trip planned for early 2013.
A Young Child Named Guedalia
A letter from Howard…
Hand Surgery and Postoperative Rehabilitation
She is happy to open and close her hand following corrective hand surgery!
An Update From the Paradise Orphanage
Dressed for learning and ready for some treats!
Freeze Dried Soup for the Paradise Orphanage
Ontario Christian Gleaners (http://ontariogleaners.org/) has agreed to provide 500 kgs of freeze dried soup to the Paradise Orphanage, free of charge, twice in 2012.
West African Girl Receives Corrective Hand Surgery at Stony Brook
The following article was published on stonybrookmedicine.edu.
LI doctors help heal West African girl
The following article was published on Newsday.com.
Little Girl from West Africa Underwent Life-Altering Surgery
The following video was broadcasted on News 12 Long Island.
Newsletter – Summer 2011
Newsletter highlights include 5 sewing machines purchased, a shelter/church constructed, a nurse hired to make weekly visits, medical supplies purchased, cement pad poured around the well, shoes purchased for all children, soup from Ontario Gleaners delivered, clothing distributed for children, staff and families, and sewing projects started.