GODPARENT-SHIP – FARTANI

Fartani means ‘orphan’ in the language of the Mandingo, an ethnic group in West Africa.

Mama Afrika intercedes in educational godparent-ships for children in Guinea who are financially disadvantaged, and whose parents cannot afford school fees. Almost all of the children are illiterate, but all are showing huge motivation to study by regularly going to school.

Since our mission is "With education and information against female genital mutilation" we also offer Godparent-ships for boys. Girls and boys, women and men should likewise be briefed on the aftermaths of female genital mutilation. Our projects therefore do not stop at women - espcially because of the Guinean patriarchic society.

These, and other children, are hoping for a better future. Please let us know if you want to help.

Seydouba, aged 5

Orphan

Living with her grandmother

Place of residence: Conakry

Makalé, aged 9

Half-orpahn

Father died

Place of residence: Conakry

Mama Adama, aged 10

Half-orphan

Mother died

Place of residence: Conakry

Aicha, aged 9

Half-orphan

Father died

Place of residence: Conakry

Bafodé, aged 10

Both parents alive

Living in extreme poverty

Place of residence: Conakry

Soriba, aged 10

Half-orphan

Father died, mother terminally ill

Place of residence: Conakry

Saran, aged 8

Father died

Place of residence: Conakry

Drillingsmädchen, aged 8

Adama, Sayon, Djénè (as singles)

Father unknown

Place of residence: Conakry

Godparent-ship Form

[download pdf will be available soon]

What does an education Godparent-ship achieve?

With your Godparent-ship you will be supporting an orphan or half-orphan in Guinea for whom we have yet to find assistance for. Without parents, and without any financial support from Europe, there is little hope of a decent education to lead a respectable life.

For just 7 Euros a month you will not only finance the school fees of the child but also guarantee that they will not lack necessary school equipment, clothing and food.
As a Godparent you will have an active role in the development of your Godchild, without entering into an adoption commitment.

What does a Godparent-ship cost?

The education Godparent-ship costs 7 Euros a month, and is tax deductible. The amount of 7 Euros consists of:

Statement of costs of an education Godparent-ship

An educational Godparent-ship costs you 7 Euros a month, or 84 Euros per annum. The costs for education fees at the primary school is roughly 80 Euros for the first year, decreasing to 43 Euros for the second year. Additional costs might appear for transport to and from the school, as well as any required medical attention, such as hospital visits.All remaining funds of the Godparent-ships are automatically used for the building of our new kindergarden in Kankan. In such cases all Godparents will be informed of the specific funds used for this project.

How long will an educational Godparent-ship last?

Ideally the support of the Godparents lasts until the graduation of the Godchild, depending on the duration of support, the age of the child, as well as the level of education already accomplished, if any.
We understand if you wish to cancel your Godparent-ship with your chosen child at any stage, within the stated regulations.

How can one be sure that funds are not misused?

Our trustworthy co-ordinator in Conakry is Fadima Doumbouya. Fadima buys all of the necessary school items and clothing for the Godchildren, as well as any additionally required equipment in the schools. She is also responsible for making sure that no funds are misused. All receipts of equipment and spending, as well as signed Headmaster’s school fee receipts are sent to Mama Afrika.

Coordinator Fadima Doumbouya

Are any donated funds used for administrative expenses?

No, not at all. The donated money, minus bank transfer costs, is sent directly to Guinea in Africa.

Is it possible for groups to take over a Godparent-ship?

Of course you can. Also businesses, clubs, schools and any other group can support the children’s education in Guinea.

Are the donations tax deductible?

Yes. The headmaster will send an official signed receipt to us at Mama Afrika, and in turn we will forward it to you. If you hand this paper in to the tax official it can be deducted from your tax bill.

Does Mama Afrika guarantee that the Godchildren are spared from genital mutilation?

Mama Afrika supports both male and female Godchildren. Our influence is dramatically reduced due to the fact that not only the parents, but other relatives and even neighbours can force young girls to be mutilated. Therefore Mama Afrika cannot guarantee that the children you take as your Godchildren will not be mutilated. However the physical inviolability of the children is a strict prerequisite for receiving monthly financial support.

What does Mama Afrika do to prevent the mutilation of the Godchildren?

As mentioned above Mama Afrika is not able to guarantee that your Godchild will not be mutilated. But the influence, especially of our on-site partners, is increasing with the families due to the constant school attendance of the girls.

Will the Godparents be informed about the intervention and risks of the mutilation?

You can find information about the risks on our internet website Health Impacts. If a girl under our guidance is mutilated the Godparent will be informed immediately.

Is the physical inviolability a prerequisite for a Godparent-ship arrangement?

No, Mama Afrika takes Godparent-ships for children who are living in extreme poverty, therefore we have boys, who are not mutilated, as well as mutilated girls in our program. Mama Afrika is confident that with our continued education and health education the problem of female genital mutilation can be banned. Mama Afrika takes mutilated girls into our programs in hope that their sisters, and one day their own children, will be spared from such a brutal fate due to the education offered.

Is it possible that a Godparent-ship will cause envy between children?

Hadja Kitagbe Kaba, founder of Mama Afrika, was born and raised in Guinea. She, more than anyone, knows the tradition and culture of the country and its people. Obviously there will be jealousy between children living in poverty, but Mama Afrika is convinced it is better to help even a few children in need, and support their education, than help none at all. Every girl who is not mutilated, every educated and self assured women who does not let her children be mutilated is worth the envy of others.

What forms do I receive when taking on a Godchild?

At the start of the Godparent-ship, and then once annually, you will receive an up-to-date picture of your Godchild, with a regular report about their education and development. You will also receive copies of their school reports, grades and attendance records.

Can I write to my Godchild?

Due to poor living conditions, and the lack of postal address, a direct communication link with your Godchild is not available. Obviously you can contact co-ordinator Fadima Doumbouya in Guinea at any time.

Can I visit my Godchild?

You are able to visit your Godchild at any time you wish to. Mama Afrika will support you with such a wish. All costs of such a trip will be your own responsibility.

You have further questions?

In case your questions are not answered satisfactory Amal Maarouf and Christel Ghaddar are pleased to assist you personally.

Amal Maarouf

Phone: +49 30 415 08 415

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Christel Ghaddar

Phone: +49 30 415 08 415

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Can I help in other ways?

If a Godparent-ship is not manageable for you, but you are still eager to help the children we support in Guinea we accept one-off donations for our projects. We are more than happy to provide you with the relevant information to do so.

Godparent-ship Form

[download pdf will be available soon]