IMPROVING THE ECONOMIC CAPACITIES OF FAMILIES

The project aimed to enable 60 vulnerable families from three villages (Oco-Maundé, Coiada and Tchumuel) to improve their livelihoods by developing income-generating activities. The goal was to prevent the migration, trafficking and/or exploitation of young children. The families received training in organic farming methods to improve their skills and the yields of their gardens; farming surplus was sold to generate income. The project also provided educational activities for vulnerable children and youths in the villages.

At the end of the project, 150 families had benefited at no additional cost. Families established community gardens in each village, growing a variety of nutritious vegetables, alternating with rice, maize and peanuts during the rainy season. Produce from the gardens was first and foremost used by the families, enabling them to eat three meals a day. The families were able to increase their average monthly income by $86/month thanks to the sale of farming surplus. The increased income enabled all families to pay for their children to attend primary school. In each village, youths were trained to lead variety of educational activities (drama, football, debates, races) each week as proposed and planned with other youths.

International Social Service, Switzerland (ISS) is a Swiss network of social workers and lawyers globally active in support of children and young people in vulnerable situations.