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In Cambodia, despite legislative efforts to promote gender equality, social norms continue to perpetuate discrimination and domestic violence, as well as issues such as illiteracy and addiction, which has risen sharply over the last two years. That’s why the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) House of Families cares for families in situations of high vulnerability, focusing on the essential role of the family in child development.

A few months ago, two FAAI partnerships officers travelled to Cameroon to visit several centres managed by our local partner, the Chaîne des Foyers Saint-Nicodème, and to get a better overview of the activities carried out within the various projects in Douala.

Article 31 of the CRC explicitly recognises the right of every child to rest, leisure, play and participate in recreational, cultural and artistic activities appropriate to his or her age. This right, which is often neglected, is not accessory but fundamental to children’s physical, mental and social development. It offers them a space to express their creativity, build social relationships and construct their identity. Yet for children in street situations, this right is rarely respected.

From 9 to 13 December 2024, Benoit Van Keirsbilck, a member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), made an official visit to the Republic of Congo. This visit was the result of joint advocacy efforts by the Fondation Apprentis d’Auteuil International (FAAI) and its local partner REIPER, in collaboration with UNICEF. This country visit stemmed from the concerning observation that, despite Congo’s reviews by international and regional mechanisms, the implementation of recommendations to improve the situation of children remains limited.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Bernard Firmenich, Vice-Chairman of the Fondation Apprentis d'Auteuil International (FAAI), on Sunday 29 December 2024. Bernard had joined the Foundation at its creation in 2017, as Vice-Chairman, and worked tirelessly on its development and influence in Switzerland and internationally.

On 20th November, International Children’s Day was celebrated around the world. This day celebrates the historic adoption, on 20th November 1989, of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), an opportunity to reaffirm that children have specific rights, including those in street situations. Facing daily stigmatisation that reinforces their social exclusion and deprives them of their fundamental rights, these children remain among the most vulnerable. This is why, this year, the Fondation Apprentis d’Auteuil International (FAAI), alongside several of its local partners has chosen to focus its campaign for the 20th November on the theme No stigmatisation of children in street situations.