Côte d’Ivoire

Partner Organization(s)

St. Genevieve Welcome Center in Katiola

The St. Genevieve Welcome Center in Katiola, Côte d’Ivoire was founded in September 2011 by Father Germaine Coulibaly Kalahari with one goal in mind: help every child from his tribe in danger of infanticide or abandonment.

Before founding the St. Genevieve orphanage in Katiola, Father Germaine conducted a survey in the surrounding villages and found that twins, children with disabilities, and children whose mothers died in childbirth were killed because area tribes still believe such children are “snake children” - evil spirits which will bring disaster and havoc to the tribal community.

Now in its 15th year, Father Germain and Habiba Koné, a social worker for the orphanage, have set up a vigilance committee in different neighborhoods who report cases of child endangerment.

Read our blog on Katiola here.