Christmas 2023 Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage

Watch a playlist of 17 short videos from the 2023 Christmas celebration at the Paradise Orphanage.

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Stone By Stone: A Companion Website to the Film

Learn more about the inspiring and uplifting story of the building of the Paradise Orphanage in Burkina Faso, West Africa, by visiting the Stone by Stone companion website.

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Virginia Rempe Elementary School

We have a total of 30 pupils in the classroom. The classrooms are not completely finished, but ready enough to start.

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Children Going to Class at KP Manson II

So much enthusiasm! Here is a video of the children going to Class at KP Manson II.

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Screening of Stone by Stone on Sunday, August 27th in Advocate Harbour

Announcing a community screening of Stone by Stone: Building the Paradise Orphanage on Sunday August 27th at 7pm at the Log Building in Advocate Harbour. Free admission. Bring a friend!

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Georges with the Paradise Orphans

Here is a photo of Georges Sawadogo with the Paradise orphans.

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Advocate Barn Sale

Dear Friends of Kaya’s Kids,

Just thought you’d want to be kept in the loop with the annual opening of our Barn Sale here in Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia. The Barn Sale raises about $5,000 each summer – $4,000 of which goes to the Paradise Orphanage in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

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Stone by Stone Awarded Special Human Rights Mention at Vues d’Afrique

The documentary film Stone by Stone was awarded the Special Human Rights Mention Prize at 39e Festival International de Cinéma Vues d’Afrique in Montreal on April 30, 2023.

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Vues d’Afrique Annual Film Festival

Stone by Stone was screened in the Vues d’Afrique festival on April 21st and 29th, 2023 in Montreal.

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Meeting with Elementary School Staff

We have held a meeting last Friday with our elementary school teachers. During the meeting, we talked about the goals we have been able to reach in the different classrooms, the difficulties we met and the suggestions of solutions to the difficulties. It was a really constructive meeting.

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Christmas 2022 Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage

Here are some pictures of the Christmas celebration at the Paradise Orphanage. Due to the safety issue we have right now here, things were done simply not like the other past year. There was special meal, a lot of meat to eat, some vegetables, new clothes…

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Police Officer in Training

The new year is starting with good news for the Paradise Orphanage.

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Meeting with the High School Teachers

Here are photos from a meeting with the teachers working at SJ High School. We assessed all our activities, and the teachers reported the results in the two classrooms. Some recommendations were provided to keep the good work in order to make of SJ High School a High School of reference in Kaya.

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Vegetables from the Garden

The harvest was plentiful! Here are some photos of vegetables from the garden.

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Picture of Charles and Burkinabe Child

All smiles! Just a quick “hello” from Charles and a Burkinabe child.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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 reality. All the glory to God for making this possible.

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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.

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Progress on High School Construction

We are making progress on the high school construction.

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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.

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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.

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Vocational/Technical School Students – Girls

These vocational/technical students are studying sewing.

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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.

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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.

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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 our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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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!

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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.

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One of Our University Students

This is one of our university students. It seems he’s having great time at the university.

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Progress on the High School Construction

We are making great strides in the progress of the high school construction!

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Civil Engineering Student in Fada N’gourma

Jean is a civil engineering student in Fada N’gourma, Burkina Faso.

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Kaya’s Kids Chess Team

The Kaya’s Kids Chess Team is unstoppable!

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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.

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Kaya’s Kids Chess Team

Here are some photos of the Kaya’s Kids Chess Team.

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Food Distribution for Refugee Children

These photos are from when we organized a food distribution in November in Kaya for refugee children.

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Christmas 2021 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.

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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 guys. May God continue to bless them.

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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 Herr family.

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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.

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Welding Work for a Water Tank

This photo is of welding work to build up a support for the water tank on the farmland.

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Water for the Farmland

We drilled for many hours to get to a depth of 90 meters. We now have enough water for farming.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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2021 Chess School Graduation Ceremony

Congratulations to the 2021 Chess School graduates at the Paradise Orphanage in Kaya, Burkina Faso, West Africa.

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Advocate Barn Sale – Summer 2021

The Barn Sale is open for business!

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High School Construction – June 2021 Update

The work continues! We are hoping to start courses this upcoming school year.

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Christmas Uniforms

Here are some pictures of the children with their Christmas 2020 uniforms.

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The Orphans Are Growing Up!

Hubert was living at the Paradise Orphanage and has now moved away.

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Technical/Vocational Students – Back to School

The five boys are back to school!

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Technical/Vocational Students – Back at the Paradise Orphanage

The five boys are back at the Paradise Orphanage.

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Technical/Vocational Students – Training in Ouagadougou

Georges and Esther visited the boys studying at the Vocational/Technical School in Ouagadougou.

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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.

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Flashback – 2019 Christmas Celebration Uniforms

Reminiscing back to last Christmas when the girls wore their Christmas Celebration uniforms.

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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.

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High School Construction – Pouring Concrete for the First Floor

Setting the foundation for future learning!

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High School Construction – Iron Work

The team is making great progress on the high school!

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2020 Primary School and High School Graduates

Congratulations to the primary school and high school graduating class of 2020!

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2020 High School Graduates

Congratulations to the high school graduating class of 2020!

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32 Bins of Clothing Have Arrived!

Grateful for the clothing for the children!

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Clothing and Shoes Received!

Clothing and shoes received from Montreal!

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19 Bins of Clothing Have Arrived!

Wow! Clothing has arrived at the Paradise Orphanage!

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Progress Update: High School Construction (June 2020)

Making progress! Check out the latest in the high school construction.

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Clothing for the Refugees in Kaya

Clothing (e.g., dresses sewn on Long Island) being shipped out of Montreal for the refugees in Kaya.

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Progress Update: High School Construction (March 2020)

Video update! The high school construction is taking shape!

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Progress Update: High School Construction (January 2020)

More on the high school construction!

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2019 Christmas Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage

Jesus is born! Here are some photos from the Christmas celebration at the Paradise Orphanage.

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Medical Team at the Paradise Orphanage

A medical team visited the Paradise Orphanage to provide basic medical services to the children.

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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.

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First Day of Class at the Primary School

Below are photos from the first day of class at the Primary School.

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High School Construction Progress Update (July 2019)

Below are photos of progress from the high school construction.

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Refugee Families at the Paradise Orphanage

Below are photos of the refugee families at the Paradise Orphanage.

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High School Construction Progress Update (May 2019)

Below are photos and videos of progress from the high school construction.

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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.

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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.

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High School Construction (Feb 2019)

Below are a photo and videos from the high school construction on Feb 3, 2019.

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2018 History and Milestones

Please take a look at our History and Milestones from 2018.

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A Shipment From Canada

Below are photos from A Shipment From Canada on Jan 24, 2019. This was made possible by Len and Carla.

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Christmas Party at the Paradise Orphanage

Below are photos and videos from the Christmas Party at the Paradise Orphanage on Jan 12, 2019.

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10th Anniversary Celebration: Documentary Highlights

Below are photos related to the documentary that took place at the 10th Anniversary Celebration.

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10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/18/2018

Below are photos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 18, 2018.

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10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/15/2018

Below are photos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 15, 2018.

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10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/14/2018

Below are photos and videos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 14, 2018.

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10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/13/2018

Below are videos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 13, 2018.

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10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/11/2018

Below is a photo from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 11, 2018.

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10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/9/2018

Below are photos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 9, 2018.

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10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/8/2018

Below is a photo from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 8, 2018.

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10th Anniversary Celebration: 12/6/2018

Below are videos from the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Paradise Orphanage on Dec 6, 2018.

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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.

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Students Using the New Computer Lab

Below are photos of students using the new computer lab.

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Computer Lab Completed

Below are photos of the new computer lab.

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Filming at the Ontario Christian Gleaners

A letter from Fran & Howie…

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Computers Arrived at the Orphanage

A letter from Charles…

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Charles Sawadogo Attends Educators’ Conference in Ghana

Charles Sawadogo attended the Yale Young African Scholars conference held in Ghana in mid-August 2018.

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A Boy Returned to God

A letter from Charles…

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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.

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Celebrating Christmas Video from Charles

Charles Sawadogo sent a video of the children celebrating Christmas at the Paradise Orphanage.

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Celebrating Christmas Message and Photos

Here is a message from Charles Sawadogo along with photos of children celebrating Christmas at the Paradise Orphanage.

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2017 Winter Update from Howie Makofsky, Director of Kaya’s Kids, Inc.

A letter from Howard & Frances Makofsky…

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Esther and Georges Try on Aprons

Esther and George try on aprons brought by the documentary film team.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Back to School at the Paradise Orphanage!

Below are photos of the children starting the new school year at the Paradise Orphanage!

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Paradise Orphanage Newsletter – September 2017

Check out our latest Newsletter…

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Video Update from Charles Sawadogo

A message from Charles…

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Construction Progress of New Classrooms

Below are photos of the new classrooms including installations of the roof, windows and door.

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Additional Work on the Wall Construction

Photos below include additional work on the wall construction!

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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.

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Wall Construction Progressing Well!

Photos below include the wall construction!

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Future High School Wall Construction is Underway!

Photos below include construction of the wall for the future high school!

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Children Dancing at the Paradise Orphanage

Dance and be joyous!

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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.

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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.

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Girls Working With a Loom at the Paradise Orphanage

Below are photos of girls working with a loom at the Paradise Orphanage.

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Arrival of Mattresses at the Paradise Orphanage

Below are photos of the arrival of mattresses at the Paradise Orphanage.

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Little Boy Falls Asleep During Papa Georges’ Sermon

Cute!

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Rejoicing Day at the Paradise Orphanage: Truck Delivered

Below are photos of the first automobile delivered to the Paradise Orphanage.

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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.

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2016 Christmas Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage

Below are photos of the 2016 Christmas Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage.

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Christmas Campaign: Comfort and Joy!

Bring the joy of comfort this holiday season to a child at Paradise Orphanage in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

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Students at the High School and Primary School

Below are photos of students at the Paradise Orphanage High School and Primary School.

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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.

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Update from Charles Sawadogo

A message from Charles…

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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.

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Newsletter – Summer 2016

Newsletter Highlights: This year, 70 of the 120 children are off to the local High School.

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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”.

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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.

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Contribute to the Making of the “Stone By Stone” Documentary

Please consider contributing to the making of our documentary.

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“Stone By Stone” – A Documentary Film

A note about our documentary…

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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.

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Christmas at the Paradise Orphanage

Christmastime is here!

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Children Trying on Their New Uniforms

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Update on the New Classrooms

Desk assembly and more!

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Door and Window Production Comes to the Paradise Orphanage

Open the door to new possibilities!

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Training Session: Children with Disabilities in Institutions

A training session was held in the Paradise Orphanage from June 11-13, 2015.

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Construction of Classroom Roofs

Rooftop installation in progress…

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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.

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Christmas Celebration at the Paradise Orphanage

Christmas—time to celebrate!

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Construction of Classrooms at the Paradise Orphanage

Lots of learning to come!

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Fresh Milk at the Paradise Orphanage

Lessons in animal husbandry and harvesting fresh milk!

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Children Playing Soccer at the Paradise Orphanage

Teamwork in action!

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IT Training at the Paradise Orphanage

Technology for learning!

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