Shelter and education for street children

HOPE’87, in cooperation with Don Bosco, was actively involved in improving the living conditions of street children in Ghana but especially their access to education by supporting deprived children not able to afford basic education in formal schools. In this respect, four Vacation Camps were organised in different parts of the Sunyani and Odumase Townships allowing a creative and varied space for addressing deficiencies in the children’s academic syllabus. Games and animated activities ensured a pleasant learning atmosphere. The project also included a scholarship programme supporting those with financial difficulties to guarantee a smooth attendance and learning process. Furthermore, capacity building sessions for youth animators and staff members of Don Bosco were organised, contributing immensely to a successful organisation of the different projects of the partner organisation for street youth. Three new staff members now run the centre and ensure the sustainability of the action.

Project Background: 

The phenomenon of street children is a growing concern in many developing countries, particularly in Africa. Ghana is no exception to the general trend of children fending for themselves in the streets. There are many ‘Youth at risk’ groups and some children in Ghana, particularly girls, are unlikely to ever even see the inside of a classroom, because there are not enough facilities to accommodate them and their parents cannot afford to send them to school. Many children work for extremely long hours doing heavy labour and are only paid a few cedis and pesewas for their troubles. About 95% of the street children are homeless. In Ghana, many street youth between the age of 12 (sometimes below) and 20 are without homes to turn to during the night. These young people have travelled from the countryside to the cities and urban towns, mainly to fend for themselves due to the lack of family support. The challenge is ensuring that this form of social exclusion is either eliminated or reduced to its barest minimum by society and concerned entities.

Project Type

Development Project, Education

Project Duration

01/02/2010 to 31/12/2012

Status

Completed

Country

Ghana

Region

Ashaiman, Sunyani

Donor(s)

UNESCO Foundation, Recklinghäuser Zeitung, HOPE'87