Child Safety & Protection
Millions of children across the continent face a harsh reality of violence, exploitation and abuse. Our work at HOPE prioritizes child safety and protection.
Violence. Child labour. Trafficking. Sexual exploitation. Female genital mutilation / cutting. Child marriage. Lack of official recording of births. Millions of children worldwide experience the worst kinds of rights violations. Millions more children, not yet victims, are inadequately protected against them.
A harsh reality
At Hope for African Children, child safety and protection isn’t just a priority, it’s the foundation upon which we build a brighter future for Africa’s children. Millions of children across the continent face a harsh reality of violence, exploitation, and abuse. A staggering of over 50% of children in Africa experience some form of physical, emotional, or sexual violence every year according to UNICEF. In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 3 in 4 children experience violent discipline by caregivers. Africa has the highest percentage of child neglect in the world having 41.8% of girls and 39.1% of boys being robbed of their childhood innocence and left vulnerable.
Building a brighter future
This fight for safety is even more critical for children with disabilities. Often overlooked and excluded from support systems, they are disproportionately targeted for abuse and neglect. Data suggests they are five times more vulnerable to abuse. This lack of protection can have devastating consequences, hindering their development, education, and overall well-being.
"At HOPE, our mission is to create a safe and nurturing world for every child, from the local to the global scale. Collaborating with diverse partners, including governments, international organizations, civil society, and children themselves, we tirelessly strive to prevent and address all types of violence faced by children – from online to school, media, home, play ground."
Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, CEO, HOPE Africa
Empowering communities
Hope for African Children tackles child safety and protection with a multi-pronged approach. We empower communities through awareness campaigns, educating families and caregivers on recognizing and preventing abuse. We work with local authorities to strengthen child protection laws and enforcement mechanisms. Additionally, we create safe spaces where children, especially those with disabilities, feel supported and empowered to speak up.
Why does this work matter? Because every child deserves a safe space to grow, learn, and dream. When children feel secure, they can thrive. They can reach their full potential and become agents of change within their communities. By prioritizing child safety, we invest in a future where Africa’s children can build a brighter tomorrow, free from fear and harm.