Education
BBC 2 recently published a documentary, Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children, which gives an excellent picture of the difficulties children in Zimbabwe face when trying to access education. Visit their website to find out more.
"Two years from now after completing my education, I would like to become a footballer, if I am good enough I would like to play for Arsenal. Apart from football, I would also want to study medicine and become a doctor who helped people in rural areas. I am appealing to anyone who might be reading this story to pray for us here in Zambia so that we can realise our dreams. Remember not to underestimate anyone, because you do not know who can be of assistance to you tomorrow." (Jeffrey, 16, Zambia) Donate now.
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms the right of every child to an education. Millennium Development Goal 2 promises to deliver universal primary education to all children by 2015. Nevertheless, 38 million children of primary school age remain out of school in Sub-Saharan Africa...
The World Declaration on Education for All asserts that every child, youth, and adult is entitled to an education that meets their basic needs - without discrimination. But, many street children are denied access...
By supporting grassroots organisations in Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Street Child Africa works to bring education to street children.
"At 25, in a dream world, I would be a qualified teacher working in Moroto. I want to teach there because our place is still behind, they need help." (Savannah, 15, Uganda)
Street Corner Education (SCE)
SCE takes education to the streets. Street workers visit the places where children live and work armed with practical lessons on: literacy, numeracy, health and hygiene. The lessons may be short - but the skills taught and friendships made are invaluable. For a working child, the knowledge of how to count money is essential. One girl told us that she is no longer short changed by her employers thanks to her street corner education.
In Kitwe (Zambia) Friends of the Street Children (FSC) run a street corner education programme which focuses mainly on numeracy and literacy skills. Roughly 60% of the children who are taught on the streets of Kitwe return to more formal education with the help of FSC.
In Kumasi (Ghana) The Street Children Project has had to terminate its night education classes due to lack of funding. Ten girls were diligently attending their lessons. Donate Now.
Centre-based non-formal education
Drop in Centre Education offers education in a safe setting with fewer distractions than the street. Trained teachers run multi-tiered education programs which cater to the needs of all children: those who have dropped out of school and those who have never attended.
In Rufisque (Senegal) Avenir de l'Enfant provides children at the Observation Centre with regular classes in both French and Arabic. The classes are given in a spacious, multi-functional room. There are currently 18 children at the centre who are eager to learn and keen for the curriculum to be expanded to other subjects.
Vocational Training
When children are too old to be reintegrated into the formal education system (or don't wish to do so), vocational training offers practical education that strengthens children's skills and competencies. Children can either be trained in workshops set up by the organisations themselves, or attend workshops in the community.
In Accra (Ghana) CAS offers both demonstration classes (including candle making, drawing and ceramics) to engage children in learning a trade, and a holistic 3 year sponsorship programme. The programme is offered to the children who visit the centre, take part in the educational activities, and commit to learning a trade.
MDM in Maputo Mozambique offer a small vocational training programme for the girls who live and work on the streets of Maputo. The girls often express interest in learning hair dressing, so MDM has partnered with various salons throughout the city who are willing to take the girls on as their apprentices.
Formal education
It is estimated that in sub-Saharan Africa, school fees consume nearly a quarter of a poor family's income (UNDP, 2007). Although many African governments claim to provide free, basic education, there are often costly, hidden fees: textbook fees, compulsory uniforms, night class and computer class charges, etc. When children are forced onto the streets because of their families' financial hardship, supporting school costs can either prevent children from ending up on the streets, or secure their successful reintegration. Children staying in shelters or long term accommodation can also be supported to make sure the gap in their schooling does not jeopardise their future.
In Jinja, Uganda SCAU pays the school fees for 50 children living in 10 child headed households. This educational support keeps families together and prevents them from resorting to life on the streets.
The De Marillac Centre for street Children in Port Harcourt (Nigeria) is currently supporting the school fees for 45 children in primary school and 27 children in secondary school.
"At Friends of the Street children, I live in the centre, go to school and I am now in grade 4. My future plan is to become a doctor so that I may save people's lives. I am therefore appealing to you all reading my story that I may be assisted in completing my school as well as do my doctorate course." (Ahmed, 13, Zambia)
"Thanks for paying for us, we're studying well. I love maths and want to become an accounts manager. I have a problem with school fees and sometimes don't get enough food to eat. I would like some books and a bag. I have lots of friends at school and enjoy playing football and singing gospel music. Continue helping us with things, we are needy. We are happy for the work you're doing for us." (Dexter, 14, Uganda)
Donate and help us help them continue their education.
Go to our Appeals Page.
