Visit to the “Maison d”Accueil”
Last year, Karim from Grandir Dignement and I engaged in discussions to explore the potential of collaborating on a long term project. Together, we had come up with the idea of a "Welcome House," which would serve as a refuge and support center for families of children and adults behind bars. Collaboratively, we drafted the proposal, submitted a budget, and I approached FOMM for funding. They agreed to support the Welcome House on a year-by-year basis.
Onisca, Karim's partner, plays a central role as the "maitresse" of the Welcome House. She took on the responsibility of finding a suitable space, under the conditions that it needed to be comfortable, close to the prison, and within budget constraints. It took her two months of dedicated effort to locate the perfect spot, and thus the "Maison d'Accueil" was born. Hanitra and I were filled with excitement as we prepared to visit this refuge in person.
Onisca roams the small roads and alleys surrounding the prison, seeking out those who have traveled long distances to visit their incarcerated loved ones. She invites these lost-looking, shelterless persons into the Welcome House for a few days, provides a daily allotment of rice, introduces them to the others who are in similar situations, promises them the taxi broose fare to return home, and takes the time to understand the story of each and every visitor. She accompanies the family members as they come before the judge while their loved ones are facing trial, and patiently explains the entire legal process to them. The program’s reputation has spread rapidly through “telephone Malagache” (word of mouth), resulting in a waiting list. Since January 2024, already 107 persons have been given shelter in this loving home.
Considering the tight budget under which they operate we asked Onisca how we could lend a hand. She outlined a few essential items: two larger cooking pots for group meals, sleeping mats, a few mattresses and pillows, plates and spoons, two large open shelves for storing supplies, and a rug. Thanks to friends and family who have previously donated money for prison-related activities, we were able to support the Maison d’Accueil in these small ways.
