Rebuilding trafficking victims' lives

Children learning car mechanic skills at the Plan-supported centre

December 2010: A Plan-supported centre in N’Zerekore, Guinea, is helping thousands of children who have been abused by traffickers  to rebuild their lives.

Guinea is a country of origin, transit and destination for trafficking in children, where victims are often made to work in agriculture, mining, begging, domestic work or prostitution. Many of the children come from rural areas and lack even the most basic education. 

Plan’s ‘Stop Exploitive Work and Educate Children for Tomorrow’ project establishes transit centres to help remove children from these situations, provide them with education and re-integrate them with their families.

Protecting children

One such transit centre was established by Plan and its field partner INADER in N’Zerekore to prevent trafficking and assist children who are already victims. 

To date 7,860 children aged 5 to 17 have been rescued or protected at the centre, where they are supported to enjoy their childhood and acquire skills for the future. 

The project is transforming the lives of children like Aminata*. “I am a 14-year-old orphan and I don’t go to school. I have a child to care for,” she said. “Before, I had to use my body to make a living, now I can benefit from the support offered by the centre.”

Restoring lives

On arrival at the centre, children are registered, receive medical attention and begin the process of restoring their lives and connections to their family.  

The centre provides educational supplies and support to allow children to catch up on education. Sessions on health, sexuality, HIV and AIDS, non-violence and citizenship are also offered. 

Students participate in housekeeping activities: cooking, laundry, dish-washing and cleaning while at the centre, but fun is also emphasised with cultural and recreational activities, dance, music, drawing, sports and games. The centre assists students in building a career by making introductions for jobs or continued learning opportunities.

A new start

“I learned to sew at the centre and then was directed to the tailoring plant in Horoya neighbourhood. Now I know how to identify sewing equipment, take measurements and make a simple sewing pattern. Now I will be able to earn money to take care of myself and my baby and maintain my self-respect,” said Aminata.

Learn more about Plan’s work in Guinea.

Read about Plan’s global child protection work.

*Name changed for child protection.