Our vision is a world where no child is forgotten.
We believe that the only way to break the vicious cycle of poverty and exclusion is through an approach tailored to the unique needs and situation of each child. We tackle the root causes of exclusion and vulnerability and work with the child, their family and the wider community to create lasting change.
Where we work
We work in five countries across sub-Saharan Africa to improve the lives of the most marginalised children and young people.
Find our more about our work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Who you help
Supporting the most marginalised children and young people.
Street connected children
Life on the streets is dirty, violent and short. Street connected children are the target of human trafficking, child labour and physical, sexual and psychological abuse.
They are often seen as a burden to society – not as children deprived of their basic human needs and needing protection and care.
We work with our partners to:
- Provide safe places to meet most urgent needs.
- Reunite children with their families or find foster families as a temporary solution.
- Run Early Childhood Development centres.
- Provide vocational training and catch up lessons in literacy and maths.
- Offer psychological support & support groups.
- Enable families to start income-generating activities to lift themselves out of poverty.
Children with disabilities
Children with disabilities, especially girls, are three times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse. Deep-rooted traditions of acceptance towards gender-based violence, stigma and negative attitudes lead to these children being excluded, often considered cursed or ‘dumb’.
We work with our partners to:
- Identify disabled children hidden in their homes.
- Train teachers and provide learning support assistants in schools.
- Help parents accept and support their children.
- Champion the inclusion of disabled children within communities, and at government level.
- Promote inclusive school clubs.
Children behind bars
Extreme poverty, conflict and loss of support networks can lead to children breaking the law. They steal food to survive, or get into a fight for a spot to sleep on the streets. Children end up overcrowded adult prisons, at risk of violence and malnutrition. 83% of girls and women in jail in DRC have experienced physical abuse.
We work with our partners to:
- Provide legal aid to ensure a fair and appropriate representation.
- Provide education and vocational training to vulnerable young offenders.
- Train front line workers (e.g. police, judiciary staff).
- Deliver basic counselling, mediation and support to children and their families.
- Ensure that child protection and justice systems are inclusive to safeguard those who need it the most.
Children affected by conflict
The global migration crisis is heavily affecting Eastern Africa with thousands of refugees arriving in Uganda and Rwanda and internally displaced people in DRC. Children are particularly at risk – they can get separated from their families. Many witness, and under duress commit, horrific acts of violence. Girls are also very vulnerable to sexual violence.
We work with our partners to:
- Provide counselling to tackle deep-rooted issues of self-esteem and self-worth.
- Offer accelerated learning programmes, including vocational training.
- Deliver inclusive education projects.
