Local Entity

Mouvement d’Action pour la Réinsertion des Enfants Marginalisés – MAREM

Description

The phenomenon of “street children” is a growing reality in Lomé. The causes may be found in the problem of a difficult urban environment, and in the lack of protective structures. Additionally, there are family problems: conflicts, absence or loss of parents, etc. In the area where the MAREM association works, there are 200 new cases of street children annually, between the ages of 8 and 17 years old. In particular, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases of minors 10 years of age.

Activities

• MAREM WOEZON is the welcome center and also the place for identifying children, who come from very different geographical, ethnic and social backgrounds. A team of experts evaluates the personal story of each one, to facilitate their process of immediate re-integration and so that they can go through the residential center MAREM EMERA. On average, the children stay in EMERA for two years. A team of specialized educators take responsibility for the integral formation of each child and the preparation of families who will then welcome the child at the end of the rehabilitation. The educators accompany the children also in the delicate phase of reinsertion in school or work.
• MAREM will offer psychological help to children throughout the duration of their stay in EMERA and for two years following their rehabilitation in order to avoid situations that might lead them back to “street-life”.

Beneficiaries

40 children reintegrated into schools and 25 children reintegrated into the workforce

Harambee’s Contribution

€ 18.000