Houses of families in Africa
Burkina Faso
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Koudougou & Kinshasa
Context
Despite favourable domestic legislation in Burkina Faso, the situation of women, children and adolescents is worrying. Their rights are violated in countless ways. The high level of poverty among children and women, not to mention the lack of education and awareness of human rights and the inadequacy of financial, material and human resources, are factors contributing to the vulnerability of families.
The economic situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is fragile, reflected in widespread extreme poverty and the absence of social infrastructure and welfare services. As a result, it is left to local associations or informal communities to support people in extreme difficulty.
Local partners
- Kogl Taaba
- Solidarité Batoto
Objectives
- Strengthen the quality and sustainability of support to families in vulnerable situations
- Empower families within their family units and their communities
- Create a community of international practitioners active in the area of support to families
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Activities
Kogl Taaba (Burkina Faso), established in 1990, supports young girls in vulnerable situations through its vocational training centre. Solidarité Batoto (DRC) has a day centre and a shelter for underage mothers and their children and for pregnant girls from the street.
The House of families scheme is innovative in its approach, recognizing the family as the mainstay of a child’s development. Through the support they receive, families can assume their role in improving their socioeconomic and family situation. They are at the heart of group activities, which they originate, design and participate in. The activities are thus tailored and suited to their needs, enabling them to find solutions with their peers and strengthen their relationship with their children.
Individual support is also provided where needed. For example, families can seek advice or information concerning a particular situation. In addition, awareness-raising sessions on children’s rights, women’s rights, parenthood and tolerance are conducted for children and parents.
The family thus becomes the main actor in preventing vulnerability and protecting at-risk children.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Most families who come to the House of families of Solidarité Batoto express the need to be supported and guided in resolving their difficulties, such as access to employment and basic social services, including schooling for their children. Activities include helping with birth registration and legal matters, sharing family meals and training in sewing, computers and English.
Burkina Faso
The House of families of Kogl Taaba mainly supports vulnerable families living below the poverty line in Koudougou (the country’s third most populous city), migrant families and single parents, including young mothers driven out of their homes owing to pregnancy. Activities include working together on the land, which helps families to forge strong bonds, school support for children, adult literacy classes, and workshops to raise awareness of rights and social services.
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.