Nouadhibou Orphanage
Rebuilding Hope for the Children of Mauritania
In 2012, Wayne Ingram, while serving as a remote paramedic practitioner in West Africa, was invited to visit the orphanage in Nouadhibou, Mauritania. What he encountered shocked him—children living in deplorable conditions, with no bedding, broken lights, and even cracks in the floor allowing rats and scorpions to enter the facility. The children had only one toy, a solitary doll pinned up high on the wall.
This heartbreaking experience motivated Wayne to take action. Through his tireless efforts, he organised the “Cross a Mile ‘n’ Bring a Smile” fundraiser, where 24 local nationals and expats rode gym bikes for 24 hours straight. The campaign was a resounding success, raising enough funds to build a brand-new orphanage, complete with beds, study tables, chairs, and most importantly—new toys for the children.
Campaign Information
Project Name:
Nouadhibou Orphanage Reconstruction
Category:
Children's Welfare, Orphanage Support
Client
Nouadhibou Orphanage
Location:
Nouadhibou, Mauritania
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The Problem: Heartbreaking Conditions for the Children
When Wayne visited the orphanage, he was devastated by the living conditions. There was no proper bedding, lighting, or clean facilities for the children. Cracks in the toilet floors allowed pests like rats and scorpions to enter, creating an unsafe environment for the children.
“I had seen a lot in my time as a soldier and paramedic, but this left me absolutely heartbroken,” Wayne recalls.
The Solution: ‘Cross a Mile 'n' Bring a Smile’
Wayne organised a 24-hour cycling event to raise funds for the orphanage. Initially, he planned to cycle 800km cross-country, but security concerns led to a change in plans. Instead, 24 riders participated in an indoor gym bike event, each cycling for one hour non-stop over the 24-hour period.
“I knew I had to do something because nobody else had,” Wayne says. “It was a total success, and we raised enough money to build a brand-new orphanage, fully furnished and stocked with everything the children needed to thrive.”
The Completed Orphanage: A New Home Full of Hope
Thanks to Wayne’s fundraising efforts and the generosity of the supporters, the new orphanage was built and fully furnished with everything the children needed—beds, study tables, chairs, and a variety of toys to make their childhood a little brighter.
