Who we are
The organisation was founded in Lahr, Germany, in 1995 as a non-profit association and is recognised as serving purely for benevolent purposes. Out of Christian and humanitarian responsibility, the organisation brings the holistic development of children and young people to the fore. This enables them to deal with the challenges of the future, take on the responsibility for their families, social communities and country, and to help shape our future together
The children in Africa
In most African countries today, far more than 50% of the population are under 18 years old. Some of these children and young people grow up in sound, caring families; they go to school, have plenty to eat and have access to health care services when they need them.Unfortunately, an alarming, parallel trend of recent years is the increasing poverty, which is denying more and more children their right to be a child. Particularly in Africa today, children and young people are exposed to violent political, economic, social and cultural traumas and overthrows. They grow up in countries which are affected by rapid urbanisation, broken family and social structures, a lack of judicial fairness and an increase in broad levels in the population.
For hundreds of thousands of children and young people in Africa, the struggle for survival is part of every day life. They experience hunger, mistreatment, aggression and often sexual violence and neglect as well as social exclusion. Sometimes they get into conflict with society or government authorities, which often treat children and young people, the weak and helpless, with merciless cruelty.
Our vision
All children* grow up, regardless of where they come from, in a political, communal and social environment, which protects and promotes their rights and dignity. They develop into humane, peaceful and responsible citizens, who help to shape our future together.
The first United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, called the Geneva Declaration of 1924, states “mankind owes to the child the best that it has to give”.
Children and young people in Africa also have the right to enforce their basic and inalienable rights.
Our mission
We want to help set up a social environment which protects and promotes children’s rights, particularly in Africa (see appendix 1).
It is therefore important to us that:
 |
Basic needs of children are met, and children are protected against violence, abuse, exploitation, social exclusion, neglect and despotism, |
|
|
All children – girls as well as boys – have equal and inalienable rights, opportunities for personal development and the chance at a good future, The dignity of children is respected, |
|
|
Children grow up in peace and freedom (with their family if possible), are socially integrated and participate in the community. |
Therefore we want to make an effective and lasting contribution, through realistic action which is specifically child-related, as well as political and legal action. We want to bring in our dedication and experience and further develop our own competencies as well as those of our (African) partners. As well as this, we will provide human and financial resources and initiate or strengthen alliances which help us to implement children’s rights.
* When we speak of children, we are referring to children and young people under the age of 18, as per the definition in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Read more about:
|
(C) 2006 - All rights reserved