The alarming phenomenon of “street children” in Kinshasa is a worrying reality that challenges our collective conscience. The Study Circle for the Protection of Children and Families (CEPEF) is mobilizing to address this major challenge that deprives these children of their fundamental rights and compromises their future.
Recent news reveals an increase in the number of children exposed in the streets of Kinshasa, while reintegration and care measures seem insufficient to address this problem. The internal migration of some children to the city, following the crises in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, contributes to worsening this already worrying situation.
CEPEF, aware of the urgency of the situation, has implemented an innovative strategic monitoring approach to better evaluate existing programs, propose new directions and ensure effective monitoring of the children concerned. This approach aims to capitalize on good practices and guide the actions of field actors for better protection of street children.
The Head of Division responsible for child protection, Me Clarisse Phola, emphasizes the importance of training social workers, ensuring adequate support, quality education and successful reintegration of street children. These actions aim to understand the evolution of the phenomenon and provide concrete solutions to improve the situation of children in distress.
In this complex context, the collaboration between CEPEF and its partners is crucial to effectively combat this scourge. The collection and analysis of objective data makes it possible to draw up a precise inventory and plan targeted actions with a view to optimal care for the children concerned.
Given the seriousness of the situation, it is imperative to raise awareness among political decision-makers, opinion leaders and society as a whole on the urgent need to act to protect children’s rights. Child protection is a moral duty and a humanitarian imperative that cannot be ignored.
In conclusion, the fight against the phenomenon of street children in Kinshasa requires collective mobilization, effective coordination of field actors and concrete measures to offer children a dignified life and a better future. The time has come for action, commitment and solidarity towards the most vulnerable in our society.