A transit centre restores children victim's lives

02-12-2010 - “I am 14-year-old orphan and I don’t go to school. I have a child to care for,” said Aminata* who worked as a prostitute.

The story is the same across Africa. Victims of poverty and abuse, children are subjected to trafficking and forced labour. Guinea is a country of origin, transit and destination for trafficking in children for forced labour in agriculture, mining, begging, domestic work and sexual exploitation. Many come from rural areas and lack even the most basic education.

The Plan Guinea project “Stop Exploitive Work and Educate Children for Tomorrow” focuses on removing children from these situations, providing them with education and re-integrating children with their families by establishing transit centres.

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I had to use my body to make a living

One such transit centre was established by Plan and its field partner INADER in N’Zerekore, in south-eastern Guinea, to prevent trafficking and assist children who are already victims. At the centre, 7860 children, aged 5 to 17 have been either protected or removed from the situations of trafficking and child labour to enable them to enjoy their childhood and provide them with skills for the future.

“Before, I had to use my body to make a living, now I can benefit from the support offered by the centre,” said Aminata.

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Housekeeping and time to be children

Upon arrival to the centre, the children are registered, receive needed medical attention and begin the process of restoring their lives and connections to family. The centre provides educational supplies and support to allow children to catch up on education. Sessions on health, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, non-violence and citizenship are also offered.

Students participate in housekeeping activities; cooking, laundry, dishwashing and cleaning while at the centre, but fun is also emphasized with cultural and recreational activities, dance, music, drawing, sports and games.

The centre assists students in building a career by making introductions for jobs or continued learning opportunities:

“I learned to sew at the centre and then was directed to the tailoring plant in Horoya neighbourhood. Now I know how to identify sewing equipment, take measurements and make a simple sewing pattern. Now I will be able to earn money to take care of myself and my baby and maintain my self-respect,” said Aminata.

* Name changed for child protection reasons

Read more about Plan's Child Protection Programmes