Djiguiya So : Socioeconomic integration of girls
Mali
Bamako
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Context
The Malian economy went into recession in 2020 under the combined effects of the pandemic, poor harvests and the socio-political crisis. The rural exodus is thus a reality for thousands of people, particularly young girls from the countryside, who are the first ones affected by social and economic deprivation. Without training, they can become highly dependent on their spouses or families.
Local partner:
- Association Jeunesse et Développement du Mali (AJDM)
Objectives
- Protect young mothers, their children and other vulnerable families, provide parenting support and raise awareness of the plight of these young mothers over 3 years
- Ensure the long-term employment and independance of young mothers through training and integration
- Strengthen the institutional and operational capacities of the local partner
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Activities
Association Jeunesse et Développement du Mali (AJDM) focuses on protecting vulnerable young people, especially girls, in the district of Bamako. Its goal is to reintegrate them into their families, society and the workplace.
The Djiguiya So (House of Hope) project aims to improve the employability of young mothers and facilitate their professional integration. The girls are housed with their children and receive training in sewing, henna tattooing/beauty care or catering, backed by literacy, financial management and entrepreneurship classes and educational talks on health topics. Throughout the girls’ training, experienced nannies look after their children. Upon graduation, the girls are given a business start-up kit.
AJDM has also set up a Family House, which is a space where families from the neighbourhood can come together for shared activities, thus strengthening the family’s role in their children’s development. Following their training, the young mothers supported by AJDM can come to the centre, benefit from individual and collective support, receive help with parenting and their children’s education, and establish social links so that they are never excluded again.
Linked programmes
Child protection
Support children in street situations to promote their rights and reintegrate them sustainably into society.
Family and parenting support
Support parents in their educational role and empower them as key actors in child protection.
Integration and entrepreneurship
Provide young people with vocational training and socio-educational support to enable them to build a better future.