The Republic of Senegal lies in western Africa. 2009 population estimate is over 12 million. About 70% live in rural areas. Senegal has a wide variety of ethnic groups. Several languages are widely spoken.
Senegal has around four hundred thousand children living in the streets. There are also many examples of entire families begging together in the streets. Many others are living in unfinished buildings with an expectation that, at any moment, they will have to leave when the owner finishes the construction of that building. Almost all of these families cannot afford to send their children to school.
ABC Children's Aid Senegal
ABC Children's Aid was established in Senegal in 2008 and currently supports 60 street children in this rented building in Senegal (see picture below).
Marli and Jose Dilson Alvez da Silva are overseeing the work of ABC in Senegal.
ABC Children's Aid in Senegal started a pre-school in Dakar in September 2008. ABC is also running a fotball school and an open house for street boys where they can take a shower, get something to eat and receive some education.
Long term goals in Senegal include:
- Opening pre-schools, primary and secondary schools and also a university.
- Providing a place for street children to receive food, take a shower, and play. This will be a place where they can just be kids.
- Developing professional/vocational schools, training the children in, for example, sewing, silk screen, arts and crafts, gardening, and also sports (soccer, volleyball and basketball).
