Centre for the Advancement of the Handicapped (CAH) began in 1989 in Mahadaga, Burkina Faso, with Françoise Pedeau, a nurse and midwife, and a child named Moussa. In order to manage Moussa’s disability, Françoise decided to borrow a wheelchair. But after seeing the profound change in the child’s life, Françoise knew that much more could be done.

Now 20 years later, Handicapés en Avant includes a center for disabled people, a school for visually impaired and deaf and mute children, and a rehabilitation center with an orthopedic workshop.

Not only has there been tremendous growth and expansion in the last 20 years with this project, it has also physically, emotionally, and spiritually changed the lives of thousands of children, and their families, in eastern Burkina Faso.