Ibadan is the capital of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, Nigeria's third largest city by population. Here the phenomenon of street children is very widespread and sadly growing, as unfortunately in many cities in low- and middle-income African countries. According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Children's Fund, one in ten children in Ibadan can be considered in a street situation. To meet the needs of these children and young people in situations of extreme vulnerability, in 2009 the Salesians established a Child Protection Centre (CPC), known as the Bosco Boys Home, with the aim of giving a home to all those children who wander the streets of the city, without a stable shelter and a peaceful environment in which to grow.
Today the Bosco Boys Home is a point of reference for children and street children who want to change their lives: here children can return to study, learn a trade and, if possible, return to their families of origin. The Salesians, together with a team of social workers and educators, guarantee them food, health care and psychosocial support. The Ibadan CPC aims to offer children at risk of abuse, abandonment or exploitation a safe and stimulating environment, where they can have the opportunity to grow in all dimensions, physical, emotional, intellectual and social, just like children who come from stable family contexts. Through a holistic approach to education and protection, the project seeks to offer these children the tools to become empowered and stronger, accompanying them to redefine small goals, know their abilities and regain self-confidence.
One of the projects supported by "Missioni Don Bosco", the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, aims to offer shelter to 30 street children, guarantee access to quality education, health care and psychosocial support, as well as carry out activities to trace families of origin and, when possible, family reunification. In addition, they want to guarantee school support through the provision of teaching materials and vocational training courses, and promote awareness programmes on the phenomenon of street children.
For more information, you can visit the "Missioni Don Bosco" website at the following link.
