Full project name: Strengthening local child protection mechanisms and children's self-protection potential in 12 communities in the Region Far North for an effective protection of children, especially from violence.
Project region: Far North Cameroon
Execution period: 1st May 2021 – 30th April 2024
Local partner: ALDEPA (Action Locale Pour un Développement Participatif et Autogéré)
The project region is one of the most populated and poorest regions in Cameroon. Harmful cultural practices and frequent attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram particularly affect children and adolescents. In addition, droughts and the COVID-19 pandemic have had a direct impact on the incomes of many families who already lived off very little in the arid Sahel region. As a result, more and more parents are not (sufficiently) meeting their parental obligations in terms of care and education. In urban areas, this situation is further exacerbated by the recent increase in alcohol and drug use by children and adolescents on the streets, that further spur delinquency and violence by minors.
However, there are few offers of assistance for children and young people in distress. In local communities and public institutions, there is a lack of both prevention strategies such as child-friendly mechanisms and materials, as well as the skills needed to effectively support children in need and their families by rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
Overall Objective (Impact): Strengthening local child protection mechanisms and children’s potential for self-protection in 12 communities in The Far North region of Cameroon.
Project Objective (Outcome): 7,500 children and youth in the project area who are victims of or exposed to violence and abuse of all kinds (schooling, exploitation, drugs, delinquency, abuses, etc.) benefit from an environment that protects and supports them and promotes their sustainable reintegration. State agents in the police, justice and prison services have enhanced knowledge and skills to establish a juvenile justice system that is consistent with children's rights and implements it in their day-to-day work.
Specific Objectives (Output):
Total project costs: € 543,400
Financial partners:
Picture above: A member of the team of ALDEPA speaks with children about dangers related to living or working in the streets and about protection mechanisms. © ALDEPA