Action for the Respect of Children’s Rights - SENEGAL
Koranic schools or “Daaras” exist across West Africa and are established cultural and Islamic religious institutions. Run by Koranic masters, they engage more than 100,000 children – all boys - in Senegal. In the capital Dakar, an estimated 50,000 of these children called “talibé” are sent daily to the streets to beg for money, food, rice or sugar, exposing them to many risks.
Although the Senegalese state has ratified the main international and regional child protection laws, a weak application of these rules, particularly in the case of Daaras, is the political reality.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru Partnership – Kenya Trip - August 2019
In June we were delighted to announce our new partnership with Urdd Gobaith Cymru . The Urdd give the young people of Wales a chance to work in countries across Africa, Asia and South America, contributing to a fairer, kinder and more understanding world.
Following this partnership, on the 20th August 2019, a group from the Urdd along with Elinor Snowsill (WRU) will be traveling to Kilifi in Kenya to meet one of United Purpose’s fantastic partners – Moving the Goalposts.
Cyclone Idai - after the storm...
It’s a common criticism of mainstream media, that when a humanitarian disaster strikes, there is intense coverage for a few days – and then the news agenda moves on. But while the stories may disappear from our screens, the demanding work of reconstruction - by individuals, communities, governments and international organisations - goes on for weeks, months and years, long after most journalists and reporters have left. Just over 3 months ago in March, Cyclone Idai, bludgeoned its way through the central parts of Mozambique, causing extreme devastation and widespread flooding in its wake. The UN estimates that 1.7 million Mozambicans lived in the path of the cyclone, which caused irreparable damage and the death of over 600 people.
Nigeria - conserving the mangrove forest whilst supporting people's incomes
For many communities along the coastline in Cross River state, Nigeria, the mangrove forest serves as a major source of income, mainly through wood logging for firewood and timber for construction.
However, the forest needs to be protected and sustained so it stays productive for the long term. United Purpose is helping with this. We have created a new project that is helping local communities understand the importance of conservation, understand how to undertake this conversation themselves, and shows them alternatives ways to secure income that is less reliant on the forest.
The Integrated Mangrove Forest Management and Livelihoods in Nigeria project is supporting 15 communities in the mangrove forest in Cross River State (six in Akpabuyo, six in Odukpani and three in Calabar South). The project will ensure community-led, collective action is taken to reverse the loss of habitat and preserve biodiversity, while also sustaining local livelihoods.