OUR FOUNDER 

From Chalon to Chameleon

Upon finishing her Law Degree, Laurence Ligier left France to go to the Philippines. Touched by the problem of street children, she decided “to take action with all the means, her determination and heart to change their future and fight the intolerable: child abuse”.

Having seen the needs of the country, and also the limitations, Laurence returned to France and redirected her studies to the field of development and humanitarian action. After a diploma in sociology/ethnology, she enrolled in International Business School and obtained a diploma in International Studies of Development Management. Strong-minded, Laurence leaves her family and her friends in order to go to the other side of the world and build a shelter for street children: Chameleon Association was born!

Constant struggle

Ever since its creation in 1997, Laurence never stopped working to bring life to this project. She spent 12 years on the field, trying to develop the center under her supervision. Accredited by the Ministry of Social Welfare of the Philippines, Chameleon has been pursuing its main goal: rehabilitation and reintegration of young girls, victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.

Return to France

In June 2004, Laurence decided to return to France. As an active member of the French office, she manages association’s foreign relations and continues to work vigorously for Chameleon. She spends her time both in the Philippines (going there at least 3 times a year) and in France.

Facing the increasing figures of sexually abused and exploited girls, she decided to increase Chameleon’s capacity to welcome girls inside its safe walls. In 2006, she succeeded to open another center that can accommodate another 30 girls. Thanks to her incredible will, day by day, Laurence helps the little girls smile again. She is now the executive director of Chameleon France.

Recognized action

• Philippines Presidential Award – to Laurence Ligier by President Gloria Arroyo, “acknowledging her significant contribution to development of the Philippines”
• Knight of the National Order of Merit given by French President Nicolas Sarkozy
• Trophy of Courage by the Progress Group (Rhone Alps)
• Award for Civic spirit and Devotion by President of the Republic of France, Jacques Chirac
• “Femme dynamisante” Award by Clarins
• International Solidarity through Sport Award from Agency for Sports Education.
• Prize of the BMW Foundation initiatives
• Medal of the city Chalon sur Saône.