SAFE SPACES
Safe Spaces are one of the two key areas of work you could help support. Our work in Africa aims to give every child in a vulnerable situation the chance to thrive from their early years and beyond. We’re determined that no child should ever have to fight for a safe, happy childhood.
Our Safe Spaces projects are all about sustainable, long-term work that helps communities, schools and families change how children in vulnerable situations are seen, treated and cared for. From helping street-connected children escape crime, abuse and exploitation – to making sure children experiencing disabilities are given the same chances as their peers – your support could help fund incredible projects like these.
Strengthening Families
Many children with disabilities in Rwanda are sent to orphanages because their parents can’t support them. However, evidence shows that they are often subject to abuse and traumatised by being separated from their parents. Rwanda plans to become the first orphanage-free country in Africa, yet children experiencing disabilities risk being left out.
We are working with Unicef Rwanda to strengthen family and community-based support by training parents to support children with disabilities at home, making family homes accessible safe spaces, and setting up new community services too.
Together with children, families and communities, we’re creating an inclusive environment so children can thrive and grow up in their own homes.
A revolutionary Support Centre
Working with our partner, Glad’s House Kenya, we recently established a unique support centre for street children in Mombasa. It’s a safe space where they can escape the dangers they face each day on the streets.
The centre staff are specially trained social workers who fully support children’s physical and mental wellbeing. Children get hot, healthy meals and have access to round-the-clock medical care and specialist counselling. Each year the centre could now help over 1,000 children leave the streets behind for good.
Giving deaf girls a voice against abuse
Girls are often excluded from society in Rwanda. They’re less likely to go to school and determine their own futures. But deaf girls face a double disadvantage. Without the ability to communicate with those around them, they are more likely to face abuse, early pregnancy and forced child marriage.
Our new inclusive dance project, the first of its kind in Rwanda, creates a safe space where girls can use dance to learn about their rights, how to report abuse and how to shape the decisions that affect their futures.
Read about our Inclusive Education work.
