Aspiring soccer players victims of trafficking: when the dream of sport becomes exploitation
In Gambia, the exploitation of young people’s sporting aspirations and families’ vulnerabilities is a widespread phenomenon. Since 2021, Protection4kids has been tackling this phenomenon with a structural child protection program that combines prevention, education, health, infrastructure, and international advocacy.
53,4%
of national poverty, with over 75% concentrated in rural areas
2.4 MLN
total population, of which more than 40% are under 14 years of age
30%
of children under the age of 14 do not attend primary school
53,4%
national poverty rate, with 76% of poor people concentrated in rural areas.
2.4 MLN
the total population, with over 40% under the age of 14.
30%
of children under the age of 14 do not attend primary school regularly
Listen
before acting
When we left for Mandinari in October 2022, our goal was not to “do it right away,” but to understand. We met with the community and listened to the principal, teachers, parents, and children.
We made a short film to document their needs and critical issues, and we asked ourselves: can we really build a program that will be sustainable over the years?
Building
safe spaces
Thanks to Polyglass Ppa – Mapei Group, we renovated the primary school’s toilets, guaranteeing children’s right to study in safety. The mission also included free medical care, medicines for the local hospital, and educational workshops, combining the rights to health, education, and protection.
Strengthen
the community
With the electrification of the school and the renovation of the library, thanks to Polyglass Spa – Mapei Group, we have made the educational environment more inclusive. Free healthcare has reached 500 people, and we have taken direct action in cases of exploitation, violence, and neglect, transforming child protection into concrete action: saving lives and restoring dignity.
2
schools renovated, electrified, and made safe for learning
+700
medical care for vulnerable families and children
3
lives of minors saved from situations of exploitation and violence
1
schools renovated, electrified, and made safe for learning
+1520
free medical examinations for children and families in vulnerable situations
3
lives of minors saved from situations of exploitation and violence
Every mission is
a concrete step
towards a world that protects
children’s rights
From practical support for communities to the daily protection of children, every action helps build a safer and freer future.
Change starts with you too
Our commitment becomes stronger when each of us decides to make a difference.
Change starts with you too
Our commitment becomes stronger when each of us decides to make a difference.
the project's supporters
Take a look at our articles
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Once a month, stories that matter and
previews only for those who really want to
know. No spam, just the real deal.