Burkina Faso, former Republic of Upper Volta, is situated in the Sahel, where the hot, dry climate of the region has driven the country to a state of extreme poverty, depriving its population of all its primary needs.

Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world. The Oasis social-medical centre was established in 1987, and at present is assisting about 1,200 children: orphans, children in need and their surviving relatives.

Every week it distributes food (millet), soap and clothes. The centre also pays the school fees and provides the children with all they need for their studies. It also provides medical assistance, from aspirins to hospitalization and surgery.

The staff consists of two persons, who work with the children and their families and distribute the food and clothes. The centre is also provides food, health care and clothes to about 320 elderly, lepers and people who are no longer able to work.

The centre is run by a lay missionary, Enzo Missoni, who has been living in Burkina since 1987. He started building the centre in 1996, in the desolate outskirts of Koudougou. Enzo Missoni was a guest of the 2005 Rototom Sunsplash.

"Those whom you help, will probably never know your name or your face, but they will know that a brother cared about them and they will thank him with all their heart" (Enzo Missoni).

Donations can be sent to “Associazione Oasis Enzo Missoni O.N.L.U.S.”, Italian post account no. 18731166. It you wish, and possess the necessary competency, you can apply to work in our centre in Burkina.