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In West Africa, the risks associated with non-accompanied migrant children are enormous. To reduce them, Terre des hommes (Tdh) is continuing to increase its efforts to mobilise nation states, civil society, communities and public opinion. It is from this perspective that Kassogne Sophie Dara, director of the Maison de la Femme et de l'Enfant (Institute for Women and Children) in Mopti, Mali has been given support from the Foundation. In this interview, she talks about this partnership and her experience in the setting up of the regional project for the protection of non-accompanied children in West Africa.
A stressful situation
“Before our partnership, we didn't know what to do when the community or the authorities called upon us with respect to a migrant child. We were stressed out as we didn't have working drop-in centres and that was difficult. They brought us 4 to 6 children a day, particularly street children or child beggars from out of town. We didn't know how to deal with them.”
A successful partnership
“Since we started working with Tdh, we know where we should refer the children for whom we were contacted. Girls working as housemaids often face with non-payment of their salary, and are exposed to illness, sexual harassment and even rape. Through mediation, information and counselling activities offered by Tdh, many employers now know that they have a duty to pay their salaries. The girls come more and more to the children’s centre at the Maison de la Femme to listen to talks and obtain advice on children's rights, the risks and opportunities associated with migration, the problems of daily life and what is available for their protection. These awareness activities take place once a week and, on average, 15 to 20 girls take part. We see that these housemaids now know their rights better and better.”
Training in migration
“Our partnership with Terre des hommes did not end with referring and managing cases. I also benefitted from the training on migrant children, which now allows me to assist them better. These days, I'm no longer afraid when I'm called upon about a girl housemaid or street child.”
Like its neighbours in West Africa, Mali remains a place where mass exodus from the countryside and migration are commonplace. Unfortunately, children are among those migrating and are often subjected to the worst forms of child labour, particularly exploitation. The regional project for the protection of non-accompanied children in West Africa is financed by the European Union and carried out by Tdh in partnership with Enda/Mali. In its fight for the protection of children, Tdh and its local partners are committed to reducing the risks associated with these migrating children. To do this, they mobilise and assist the different actors in the field equipping them with a complete system for the protection of migrant children.
Terre des hommes is bringing about positive change in the daily lives of more than two million children and their families each year. Find out more about our projects in Mali and on the protection of migrant children.
Further reading:
Mali: The authorities reaffirm their commitment to the protection of migrant children
"All the Children of Mali," a radio programme for the protection of migrant children
