For the development of girls through education and protection

Local partner

Jeunesse et Développement (JED) / Eclaireurs et Eclaireuses du Sénégal (EEDS) is a development NGO created in 1936, and established in all regions of Senegal, inspired by Scouting values, at the service of young people and the community. Its mission is to contribute to improving the quality of life of populations, mainly in the areas of health, education, socio-economic integration and the environment, in particular by preparing young people for their role as active and responsible citizens in synergy with the Scouts and Scouts of Senegal. Its areas of intervention are as follows: youth education, health, citizen participation, the living environment of vulnerable groups, environmental protection, hygiene, water and sanitation, training and microcredit.

Context

In Senegal, the school completion rate is low due to early or forced pregnancies/marriages and child labour to address parental poverty. Indeed, 49% of under-18s come from families living below the poverty line.

In Mbour, there are 6 literate women for every 10 men. Parents often take their daughters out of school to obtain a small income, they find themselves forced into prostitution, working in the markets or becoming housekeepers. This is a source of deep trauma.

The mission

This project aims to reduce the precariousness of young girls by allowing them to integrate socially and professionally by developing their autonomy.

Activities

-Create professional training classes.

-Build an incubation centre for girls to practice and train in crafts.

-Identify, accompany, and follow young girls.

-Establish psychological, professional, and financial autonomy.

-Train peer educators, community relays, and child protection structures.

-Implement awareness campaigns and organization of talks on child protection.

-Set up family mediation and home visits.

Beneficiaries

200 young girls, 100 parents, 12,000 people from surrounding communities, 20 community relays, 10 monitoring and alert committees and 20 peer educators.