Promote Peace and Reconciliation

As a response to conflict, this project promotes the reintegration of girl-mothers and street children into society, and, where possible, helps them reunite with their families. The project hopes to trace the families of about 120 girls and 250 boys so that they may be reconciled to their families with the help of mediation. Another supportive activity is providing trauma counselling and reconciliation support to the girl-mothers and street youth.

One programme strategy is working to enable women, children and youth to voice their concerns and participate in community structures. It seeks to increase understanding and change attitudes by working with young people's families and communities. Media campaigns are incorporated into the project in an effort to raise awareness and encourage discussion about post-conflict issues via local radio broadcasts, leaflets, billboards, and articles in newspapers and on the Internet. These efforts are designed to address specific groups and leaders within the community including schools, religious leaders, and local government officials.

Organisers are working to support young people's educational and economic goals, post-conflict: "75 girl-mothers and 50 street boys will be empowered to access their educational and economic rights through subsidised school fees, return to full-time education where appropriate, and have access to vocational training. Other children will be referred to micro-credit schemes and have access to information on the job market."

Children, Youth, Conflict, Rights.