Association Amour et Espoir

Amour et Espoir provides a range of comprehensive services to support vulnerable children and their families, ensuring access to education, nourishment, and psychological well-being.

For the Children (in groups of 15-20):

• Breakfasts and lunches provided daily for 130 schoolchildren on school days.
• Afternoon snacks are provided every day, after activities.
• Literacy classes are offered four times a week, with two sessions each for primary and secondary students.
• Extracurricular activities in the form of music lessons, sports, meditation, relaxation, and art therapy sessions are offered with each activity being conducted twice a week.
• Psychological support and counselling are offered once a week.
• Listening sessions are offered to children when they come for breakfast in the morning and when a need for support is identified.
• Awareness Programmes are provided to address themes such as addictions and sexuality, and the impact of drugs.
• Leisure Activities such as excursions and outings are organised to promote the children’s development.

For the Families:

• Family Support: Lunches are organised with parents once every two months to provide a platform for dialogue, to discuss prevalent issues with parents and promote conflict management and communication within the family unit.
• Parent-Child Meetings
• A Solidarity Shop has been set up to offer affordable food packs and second-hand clothing to families at reduced prices.

Collaboration with La Gaulette Public Primary School:

• Amour et Espoir works with the school to address the rate of absenteeism through regular meetings with teachers and the principal.
• Discussion Sessions are organised to foster values, self-awareness, and respect among children.
• Training sessions are offered to teachers on effective listening skills.
• The organisation promotes well-being strategies such as advocating for the integration of a psychologist for child welfare.

Beneficiaries

• Children: 182 registered, with 130 receiving daily school meals.
• Parents: 82 engaged in various support programmes.

In 1994, Bruneau Petite moved to Cotteau Raffin and quickly became involved in social work after encountering many unschooled children on the streets. He realised that their lack of education stemmed from an inability to afford daily meals. Joining forces with Jaya Yagambrun, who was already engaging children through reading clubs and spiritual courses during holidays, Bruneau offered his home as a venue for these sessions.

Together, they brainstormed on ways to improve the children's care. Initially, they personally funded the activities, which included serving snacks. The number of children quickly grew from 40 to 60 and started coming also from a bit further away than just the immediate community.

Jaya, Bruneau, and some close associates then decided to provide breakfast as well to the children before they go to school and began preparing morning meals as early as 5 a.m., with children arriving by 6:30 a.m. Over time, some children even started coming at 5 a.m. to help with meal preparation. The association also organises school lunches and afternoon snacks.

Beyond Cotteau Raffin, children come from Baie du Cap, Le Morne, and Case Noyale to benefit from the services provided by Amour et Espoir and participate in outings and special activities.

The association was officially registered in 2007. In 2009, a Swiss benefactor, inspired by the project, funded the construction of a kiosk on the site, providing more space for activities, which was completed in 2011.

• To ensure children have access to education and enrichment to break the cycle of poverty.
• To combat school dropout rates.
• To help children achieve their dreams.
• To motivate families to broaden their vision and overcome poverty.

• Rehousing squatter families with the construction of 5 houses.
• Helping dozens of children achieve a degree of independence in their lives.

• NSIF
• International Donors
• Private Sector Companies
• Solidarity Shop