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Every year on 20 November, we celebrate World Children's Day. Like all others, children in street situations have rights. Yet all too often they are victims of stigmatisation, discrimination and violence. On this international day, we're giving them a chance to have a say: read the testimony of Erick, a young Peruvian supported by our partner Qosqo Maki, who came to speak at the United Nations in Geneva.

Depuis maintenant 8 ans, nous organisons une rencontre annuelle de nos partenaires internationaux, qui se retrouvent à l’occasion des « Communautés de Pratiques et de Savoirs ». L’objectif est simple : développer nos compétences et les outils de nos partenaires qui sont confrontés à des problématiques communes, notamment en ce qui concerne l’accompagnement des enfants en situation de rue. À terme, il s’agit de développer le travail en tant que réseau d’acteurs de la société civile.

Every 11 October, we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child to highlight the particular inequalities and specific challenges faced by girls and young women. They represent 50% of the world's population, yet they are all too often forgotten and particularly subjected to violence. Young girls in vulnerable situations suffer serious discrimination that prevents them from accessing their rights. How can we support them in developing their skills and realising their dreams? Access to education and addressing violence are two key actions to achieve this.

In September, we had the pleasure of welcoming to Geneva Erick, a young Peruvian aged 17, and Jorge, head of Qosqo Maki, our local partner in Peru. They came to talk to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child during Peru's pre-session, which will shortly be examined by the experts. Qosqo Maki works closely with children and young people who, like Erick, are in street situations in Cusco.

In August, our vocational training restaurant got back into the rhythm of the school year: 8 new apprentices (4 AFP and 4 CFC) joined our teams for the year 2024-2025. In total, 15 young people will be supported by 10 trainers and an integration coach for the coming school year. It's a special year, because in 2024, the Birdhouse is already celebrating its 5th anniversary.

To mark International Day for Street Children (12 April), two children who have lived on the streets of Madagascar came to Geneva to talk about their experiences at the United Nations. The two children spoke at the Human Rights Council's annual Day on the Rights of the Child, which focused on inclusive social protection. Ronaldo and Marie Elia, 13, tell the story of this extraordinary adventure.