The centre hosts up to 50 children from 0-18 years of ages and 9 adult supervisors. Besides dormitories, the programme also includes sanitary blocks, infirmary, administrative offices, a restaurant, play areas, two classrooms and a computer room. The orphanage adapts to the extreme environment of the sub-Sahelian region, being organised around a central courtyard and offering covered terraces for various educational or recreational activities. Large overhangs limit solar gain on roofs and facades, concrete blocks filled by raw earth work as heat exchangers and openings in the roof and grilles above doors encourage ventilation. Power is provided by photovoltaic cells and treated water is used for a fish pond and a market garden. This provides food security and training for older children.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
