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IDSC 2025 Round Table with children, PFSCE, Madagascar

IDSC 2025: Children in Street Situations Celebrate Their Right to Identity Through Meaningful Initiatives

On the occasion of the International Day for Street Children (IDSC), celebrated every 12 April, our partners in several countries came together with children in street situations for celebrations filled with dialogue, awareness-raising, creativity and advocacy. These initiatives, led by our partners, aimed to highlight the voices, creativity, and commitment of these children around a right that is still too often denied: the right to identity.
Donna, 24 years old, a former child in street situations in Madagascar

Donna’s inspiring journey towards a better future

Celebrated every year on 12 April, the International Day for Street Children serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising and upholding the rights of children in street situations. This year, together with our local partners, we are shining a light on the reality faced by millions of children who are denied the right to identity. Without official identity papers, millions of children across the world, including those living in street situations, are excluded from access to rights such as education, healthcare and protection. Invisible in the eyes of the state and often rejected by their families, children in street situations are among the most vulnerable. Yet they have dreams, ambitions, and above all, the right to be recognised and protected, just like any other child.
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International Day for Street Children 2025

Without identity documents, millions of children around the world, including those living in street situations, are deprived of education, healthcare, protection, and many other rights. Invisible to the authorities and often rejected by their families, children in street situations are among the most vulnerable. Ensuring their right to identity is key to providing them with protection, future opportunities, and a place in society.

Portrait of Sim, beneficiary of the House of Families, Cambodia

Sim: A mother rebuilding her life thanks to the House of Families in Cambodia

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.
Sewing classes at the Nyalla Training Centre, Cameroon

Corinne's story : building her future thanks to the Nyalla training centre

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.
Children playing with a ball, Madagascar © Apprentis d’Auteuil

The right to leisure for children in street situations: a crucial issue for their development

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.

Fondation Apprentis d’Auteuil International

The Fondation Apprentis d’Auteuil International (FAAI) is a Swiss charitable foundation established in 2013. It is committed to protecting children’s rights, promoting the education and integration of young people in difficulty and supporting families, in partnership with local actors who share the same goals.

Alongside its partners, the FAAI advocates for children’s rights with United Nations institutions, focusing on children in street situations. 

Who we are

Our activities

Child protection

Support children in street situations to promote their rights and reintegrate them sustainably into society.

Integration and entrepreneurship

Provide young people with vocational training and socio-educational support to enable them to build a better future.

Family and parenting support

Support parents in their educational role and empower them as key actors in child protection.

Advocacy

Support our partners in their advocacy activities with national and international decision-makers to ensure respect for children’s rights.