‘They light up when I speak French’: How learning a foreign language helps to reach out and connect
Bonjour! It’s French Language Day, a day to reflect on the official language in most of the countries Mercy Ships visits. Alexandra Klauke – also known as “Miss Alex” during her time serving as teacher in Guinea and Senegal – explains the value of learning someone’s language.
Cotonou, Benin, February 19, 2021
The Benin Ministry of Health today received a donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) comprising 74,300 pieces worth 80 million CFA francs.
The government of Benin thanks Mercy Ships and the MSC Foundation for this support.
The donation was presented by Dr Pierre M’PELE, Director General of the Africa Office to Prof. Benjamin HOUNKPATIN, Minister of Health of Benin.
GENEVA SWITZERLAND, 29 JANUARY 2021 – In a gesture of solidarity, PPE shipments are in process of being sent to 11 partner nations by Mercy Ships in coordination with the charity’s European Distribution Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Shipments are destined for Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
In October 2020, the most famous singers from Benin launched an African initiative #AfricaThanksMercyShips to express the gratitude of the African people for bringing hope, healing and transforming the lives of thousands of forgotten poor people in the last 30 years, December 1990 – December 2020. A blessed journey at the service of the others.
The #AfricaThanksMercyShips initiative is the heartfelt call from the hearts of African music artists expressing the gratitude on behalf of thousands of African patients whose lives have been transformed by Mercy Ships’ surgeons and nurses.
COTONOU, BENIN – October 6, 2020 – Mercy Ships unveils its new hospital ship, the Global Mercy™, which will join the Africa Mercy, in service in Africa since 2007. Dr. Pierre M’Pelé, Director of the Mercy Ships Africa Bureau, announces that the Global Mercy is scheduled to begin service in Africa in 2021 and relays the cry from the hearts of Africans who say “Thank you to Mercy Ships.”
ACCRA GHANA – 18 June 2020 — Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General, Ghana Health Services, took delivery of a donation of PPE designated for the nation of Ghana today by Mercy Ships President Rosa Whitaker on behalf of the charity to support the national battle with coronavirus.
To respond effectively to the pandemic of the new Covid-19 coronavirus, donations continue to flow to the Ministry of Health. In response to the government’s appeal for solidarity, several structures supported the state on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
NEW YORK (September 27, 2019) – At a reception Wednesday hosted by Mercy Ships and the AfroChampions Initiative, African heads of state and prominent business leaders came together in support of the work Mercy Ships is doing to address the surgery crisis in Africa.
Rue Thann, Immeuble Sea View,
Appartement 3ème étage à droite,
Dakar, SENEGAL
Rue Thann, Immeuble Sea View,
Appartement 3ème étage à droite,
Dakar, SENEGAL
Tel: +221782967104 /776447017
© 2025 – Mercy Ships
Rue Thann, Immeuble Sea View,
Appartement 3ème étage à droite,
Dakar, SENEGAL
Rue Thann, Immeuble Sea View,
Appartement 3ème étage à droite,
Dakar, SENEGAL
Tel: +221782967104 /776447017
africa@mercyships.org
© 2023 – Mercy Ships