The Problem We Are Addressing

Our programs addresses some of the most pressing challenges faced by children and young people in post-war African countries. We focus on three critical areas: education, health care, and economic empowerment, which are deeply interconnected and essential for creating sustainable development and improving the quality of life for the most vulnerable populations.

Under health, HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in many African communities, with high rates of infection and limited access to healthcare services. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for approximately 70% of the global HIV burden, with young people making up a significant portion of those affected. The epidemic not only puts a strain on already limited healthcare systems but also devastates families and livelihoods. Stigma and misinformation further exacerbate the problem, leading to inadequate prevention measures and care. Access to healthcare services in post-war regions is often severely restricted, with infrastructure damage, lack of medical professionals, and insufficient supplies contributing to poor health outcomes. Many communities lack basic healthcare services, resulting in high rates of preventable diseases and mortality. For example, maternal and child mortality rates are significantly higher in these areas compared to global averages.

Education as a whole remains a challenge across the African continent. This includes the lack of access to technology and digital skills, which is crucial for personal and professional development. Unfortunately, the digital divide remains a significant barrier for many African youth. In countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone, less than 5% of high school graduates have the basic skills to operate a computer. This lack of digital literacy limits their opportunities for education and employment, hindering their ability to compete in the global job market and benefit from online tools such as e-learning and e-commerce. Post-war countries often experience severe disruptions in their education systems, with schools destroyed, teachers scarce, and resources limited. This leads to a generation of young people who lack access to quality education, which is essential for their personal and professional development. Studies have shown that children in conflict-affected areas are twice as likely to be out of school compared to their peers in stable regions.

Finally, girls and young women in post-war African countries face significant barriers to economic independence. Limited access to education, vocational training, and financial resources traps many women in cycles of poverty. For these young women, the challenges are immense and multifaceted. Many grow up in environments where educational opportunities are scarce due to the destruction of schools and the scarcity of teachers caused by years of conflict. Without access to quality education, these young women are often ill-equipped to pursue further vocational training or higher education.

The lack of financial resources compounds these difficulties. In many communities, traditional gender roles and discrimination further limit young women’s access to the resources and support needed to start businesses or pursue careers. They frequently lack collateral to secure loans from traditional financial institutions, and there are few alternative funding sources available. This financial exclusion not only stifles their entrepreneurial potential but also leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.

As a result, thousands of young women turn to commercial sex work as their only source of livelihood. This dangerous and precarious line of work exposes them to physical violence, sexual abuse, and significant health risks, including HIV/AIDS. Moreover, the social stigma attached to commercial sex work often isolates these young women from their communities and support networks, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and marginalization.

These barriers create a reality where economic independence feels unattainable for many young women. They face a constant struggle to secure basic necessities for themselves and their families, often living in extreme poverty with limited hope for a better future. The lack of economic opportunities forces many into informal, low-paying, and often unsafe jobs, further entrenching their vulnerability.