Protection of street children
We protect street children in West Africa
Village Pilote takes action on the ground to protect children at risk, exposed to the worst dangers such as drugs, theft and physical and sexual violence.
Every year, we look after 400 young people aged between 3 and 25 from all over West Africa at our Welcome Centre in Senegal.
More broadly, our beneficiaries are young boys living on the streets or in conflict with the law, young girls in semi-rupture, and vulnerable families.
Supporting us to protect children
Identifying young people on the streets or in prison
Twice a week, our team conducts mobile listening sessions: danger awareness tours for young people
- on the street
- in prison
- in conflict with the law
on social assistance
We identify these young people, provide first aid, make them aware of the dangers of the street and present them with alternatives.
Health of young people in difficulty
The health centre provides :
- emergency care on the street
- medical follow-up for children under the care of the Village Pilote du Lac Rose infirmary
- psychosocial interviews
- yoga sessions (at the centre and in prison)
- referrals to partner health centres when necessary
Care for street children and young people
At the Lac Rose Welcome Centre, Village Pilote provides comprehensive care for 400 young people a year:
- Accommodation
- Maths and literacy training
- Food
- Clothing
- Health and hygiene
- Listening and dialogue
- Educational, sporting, cultural and teaching activities
Sports and cultural activities
Village Pilote organises a wide range of fun activities to help young people flourish: rugby, football, gymnastics, circus, yoga, drawing, street art, collage, mosaics, astronomy, chess, etc.
Family reconciliation
We help young people return to their parents:
- finding the children’s families
- mediation with the families
- inviting families to the Lac Rose Pilot Village
- accompanying the young person back to their family
- regular telephone follow-up to ensure a lasting resettlement
Testimonial
Benjamin Sagna, the former youngster turned rugby facilitator and coach
“I lived on the streets until the day I met Village Pilote. Today I’m an educator and I teach rugby. I pass on my experience to young people, from my life on the streets to my future as a youth worker and coach. I’m also proud to wear the Senegal jersey in the Senior National team”.
Our projects
The Refuge of the Future
Construction of a new refuge for the youngest children to increase the capacity of the Lac Rose Pilot Village.
Shelter for young women
Shelter for women and girls (aged 15-25) to keep them out of trouble.
Health pathway
Medical consultations and screening for all young people, youth workers and their families.