TURNER – The Friends of Little Field Home has recognized Jennifer Duguay of Turner for her work in Malawi in southern Africa. The Friends of Little Field Home is an organization that supports the Little Field Home orphanage in Malawi by providing financial and developmental support.

The Little Field Home houses 67 orphans and supports 58 families. They have just opened a private health clinic to provide care to the orphans and the population from the surrounding villages.

Duguay is a rising senior at Hebron Academy. She was one of six students chosen to assist the orphans at the Little Field Home.

“I was extremely impressed with Jenn and how she delved into the work at the home. She gave 100 percent of herself to the children and the cause during her time there,” said Janet Littlefield, who led the trip. Littlefield is the executive director of Friends of Little Field Home. “She was able to let go of all that was familiar and I believe she learned a lot about herself as well.”

Duguay lived in the Chigamba Village, which is located in the southeast corner of Malawi, from June 19 until July 13. Chigamba Village does not have electricity or running water. The village is in an area that has extreme poverty, with many of the residents suffering from HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. Littlefield said Duguay loved the children, danced and taught them songs.

Duguay said her favorite time was relaxing with the girls and women at the end of the day. “One of my favorite things that happened at the orphanage was when all the girls would get together at night and dance,” she said.

“I discovered that during the day the women worked hard to get the water, cook the food, clean the homes, but at the end of the day it was their time to relax and have fun. It was a time when all of us girls, American or Malawian, would get together and be as goofy as possible. It was a moment everyone just let go and without trying, created a very powerful feeling.”

For more information about the Friends of Little Field Home, visit www.littlefieldhome.org.