A Future for the Street Children of Abidjan

Introduction

Ivory Coast currently stands as a reference point for economic growth in West Africa, yet this rapid development is marked by profound internal contradictions. As the economy expands, so does a specific and heartbreaking form of poverty: the “enfants de la rue” (street children).
In the economic capital of Abidjan alone, a city of nearly 8 million people, thousands of minors live on the margins of society. These are children of all ages, some incredibly young, who have been pushed into a painful life of survival.

The causes behind this phenomenon are as complex as they are tragic. Many children flee to the streets due to the extreme poverty of their families, while others are driven away by domestic conflict or physical abuse. Furthermore, Abidjan’s relative wealth attracts many minors from neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who arrive seeking resources but often find themselves trapped in a cycle of homelessness. By night, they sleep in makeshift shelters under plastic sheets, cardboard, or the structures of neighborhood markets. By day, they survive through small jobs or informal trade, constantly exposed to the dangers of drugs, crime, and exploitation. Most have no access to the school system, and some lack even basic birth registration, effectively making them invisible to the state.

The Community of Sant’Egidio: A Presence of Friendship and Care

Since the late 1980s, the Community of Sant’Egidio has built a deep-rooted presence in Ivory Coast, now counting approximately 1,500 active members. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Territorial Administration since 2004, the Community has spent decades developing an alternative to the lack of public assistance for street children. Our mission is built on a simple yet powerful foundation: a friendship that aims to restore the future of those who have been deprived of it.

Our work began in neighborhoods such as Marcory, Treichville, and Yopougon, and has since expanded to areas like Angré. Central to this effort is the “Maison du Rêve” (House of Dreams) in Yopougon, a vast district with over a million inhabitants where the concentration of minors in difficulty is particularly high. This center is more than a facility; it is a point of reference where children find spaces to sleep, eat, wash, and receive the emotional and social support they need to dream again.

Strengthening Our Centers: The Yaguine and Fodé Initiative

To meet the growing demand for help, this 18-month project focuses on two critical hubs. In Yopougon, the goal is to significantly upgrade our existing multifunctional center. Currently operating out of a small rented building, the center will be moved to a larger, more functional structure. This new “Maison du Rêve” will provide better-organized spaces for both day and night reception, improving the quality of care for the children already in our family home and allowing us to reach many more.

In Angré, the need is equally urgent. Until now, children in this district could only rely on our mobile outreach, itinerant food distribution and occasional educational support. This project will establish a brand-new multifunctional center in Angré, providing a stable and safe environment for minors, some of whom are under the age of ten. By moving these activities from the street into a dedicated home, we can offer a consistent presence that combines immediate protection with long-term growth.

A Comprehensive Journey Toward Autonomy 

The project is designed to provide an integrated path that supports every aspect of a child’s development. During the day, both centers offer a wide range of services: regular meals, hygiene facilities, and personalized social assistance. Education remains our most powerful tool for change. We provide literacy programs and school tutoring to help younger children re-enter the public education system, ensuring they have the books, stationery, and digital tools they need to succeed.

For older adolescents, the focus shifts toward the transition to adulthood. We offer professional training courses and job orientation, helping them prepare CVs, practice for interviews, and find internships or employment opportunities. This economic empowerment is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty. Furthermore, our legal experts assist with birth certificates and identity documents, while our medical teams provide screenings and access to specialist care at top-tier hospitals like Bambino Gesù or Gaslini.

Rebuilding Social Bonds and Preventing Marginalization

Beyond material and educational support, the “Maison du Rêve” focuses on the emotional and social well-being of the children. We organize sports, cultural events, and parties to foster a sense of community and help them build lasting friendships. Whenever possible, we work toward reuniting children with their families, mediating conflicts to create a safe path home.

At the same time, we carry out vital awareness campaigns within the local communities to prevent the exploitation and marginalization of street children. By creating a culture of inclusion and protection, we aim to ensure that no child has to face the dangers of the street alone. This integrated approach, combining immediate reception, education, and professional training, is how we turn a “House of Dreams” into a reality of lasting independence and hope.