Marrakech
Action in cooperation with Groupe Développement
Project presentation
Context : Authorities estimate that 14 000 children now live in the streets. In Marrakech, a tourist high spot of the country, more and more children are seen to be begging or selling ‘sex services’ to tourists on the famous Djemaa El-Fna square. Many of these children live in Mellah, the poorest part of the town. They do not go to school, and spend their days outside trying to grab a few dirhams in order to buy their dose of glue to sniff.
Action : There are two parts to Atfa Louna: Prevention for vulnerable children and temporary aid for reintegration into their families and rehabilitation.
- Schooling and vocational training
- Family guidance before children re-integrate their respective families.
- Temporary aid for children before being reunited with their families or trusted to a governmental organisation.
- Arts, sports activities and medical care
Financial data : Over three years, the Budget amounts to € 216 900. Local contributions have already raised € 40,300. Okworld donated € 30,000 in 2006.
Project life
January 2007 : based on regular excganges with local association
A group of 58 children between the ages of 7 and 14 years old is worked with on a daily basis. In the coming months, the number of children to be helped will increase with the opening of a specific centre. This centre will be a halfway house where children can be welcomed and listened to before being reintegrated into the society.
44 children have already re-entered the school system. Every evening they have extra lessons to help them overcome their difficulties. 10 children have joined professional branches. Each youth worker works with a small group of children. The aim of these youth workers is to follow each person closely and create conditions that will help the child to be re-integrated into their respective families. Children are in frequent contact with youth workers, especially through participation in learning activities (visiting monuments, theatre, singing, civil education and religious education) and sports activities. These frequent meetings are also a chance to check their health and give treatment in the case of illness or infections.
During the holidays, the children are taken on holiday, often for the first time in their lives. These trips are organised in partnership with the Ministry of Youth.
