EDUCATION
Ephphatha Center for the Education and Training of the Deaf
Ephphatha Center, an orphanage and boarding school, was established in 2008. Founders Dr. Victor and Benoite Vodounou realized that majority of the Deaf population in rural areas were underserved and uneducated due to the lack of understanding of “deafness”, economic hardships, and living too far from Deaf facilities that were only located in the major cities.
The Vodounou’s wanted to make sure that the rural deaf students had the potential to be seen, understood, educated, and to know and feel God’s everlasting love.
Since 2008, the Ephphatha Center has provided over 321 students, ages 5-22, with primary and vocational education, food, healthcare, housing, and a safe community where they are able to learn God’s word and worship together.
Ways to help
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We believe that access to education helps break the cycle of poverty and prepares students to thrive in all areas of life. A vast majority of our students come from low economic families, single parent home, been abandoned, or orphaned. Which means, we are responsible for their educational and daily needs. It costs $50/student a month to provide them with their basic needs.
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We need donations of any kinds. Examples: bedding supplies, medical items, sanitary items, cleaning supplies, school supplies, textbooks, recreational items, clothing, shoes, and food.
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Our teachers and staff are essential to our program. Sponsorship for a teacher costs $200 a month. Sponsorship for a staff member costs $150/month
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Founders, Victor and Benoite are retired from the educational system. While retirement funds helps with bills and life in the USA, it is not enough for their personal needs and mission support in West Africa.
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We are looking for groups or individuals who feel God is calling them to help those in the Deaf Community by providing and helping with Deaf ministry, community outreach, social services, church planting, construction and maintenance, vocational training, and agriculture. We have opportunities year-round from one-week trips to multi-week short term missions