For 28 years, Association Les Enfants de Frankie has been working across the Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco, with Frankie the clown as its most beloved mascot. This year alone, the charity has supported 3,500 children facing difficult circumstances.
The Monaco-based charity has just released its six-month report, revealing how €33,846 has been strategically invested across 15 medical, social and educational facilities to illuminate the lives of children facing hardship.
“Behind each project, there are faces, stories, emotions,” the association explains, and those stories paint a picture of transformation across the region.
From grey courtyards to spaces of wonder
The charity’s impact covers both practical needs and creative solutions. Children’s homes have gained sensory rooms where young people can relax and express themselves, while an artistic kiosk has been added to another facility. Additionally, a centre for autistic children now has an inclusive space designed for their specific needs.
New basketball hoops have also been installed in a previously bare courtyard. Meanwhile, at hospitals virtual reality headsets help children escape momentarily from pain and fear, while pottery wheels support paediatric psychiatry workshops.
The charity’s innovative approach extends to cutting-edge technology: adapted computers for hearing-impaired children, therapeutic cameras for sessions with autistic children, specialist tablets, Montessori materials for disabled children, kitchen utensils designed to rebuild confidence, and even autism screening software.
Beyond institutional support, Les Enfants de Frankie demonstrates its commitment to individual children. Young Louca, who suffers from a rare genetic mutation called TUBB3, received funding for an intensive 25-hour rehabilitation programme tailored to his specific needs.
All these initiatives fall under the charity’s ‘Actions for Two Hands’ programme, which has accompanied, supported and listened to 3,500 children through outings, activities and bespoke projects over the past six months.
Christmas magic on the horizon
The year isn’t over yet. On 26th November, the association will celebrate the 28th edition of Frankie’s Christmas. This year’s theme, ‘Dance with Frankie’, will welcome more than 1,000 children per day of shows, refreshments and gifts.
Operating from 20 Boulevard Rainier III in Monaco, Les Enfants de Frankie continues to rely on the faithful support of its benefactors to fund its wide-ranging programmes.
As the charity puts it: “Because at Les Enfants de Frankie, we heal hearts”.
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
Main photo credit:Les Enfants de Frankie Facebook page.