Street Child (charity)

Street Child is a UK-registered charity focused on empowering children living in some of the world's toughest places to access education. The organization works in a number of countries, primarily in West Africa and Asia, targeting the root causes that leave children vulnerable and out of school.

Mission and Approach

Street Child's mission is to create a world where every child is safe, in school, and learning. To achieve this, the charity employs a multi-faceted approach, typically encompassing the following key areas:

• Family Business Support: Providing grants and training to help parents and caregivers establish or strengthen small businesses, enabling them to afford the costs associated with sending their children to school, such as uniforms, books, and school fees. This economic empowerment component aims to address the financial barriers to education.

• School Development: Supporting the construction, rehabilitation, and provision of resources for schools in underserved communities. This includes providing classrooms, sanitation facilities, learning materials, and teacher training programs to improve the quality of education.

• Child Protection: Implementing programs focused on protecting vulnerable children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect. This often involves working with local communities and partner organizations to identify at-risk children, provide psychosocial support, and facilitate access to safe spaces and protective services.

• Education Access: Working to remove barriers that prevent children from attending school, such as distance, lack of documentation, or discriminatory practices. This can involve providing transportation, helping families obtain birth certificates, and advocating for inclusive education policies.

Geographic Focus

Street Child concentrates its efforts in countries and regions characterized by poverty, conflict, and high rates of out-of-school children. This has historically included Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nepal, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The charity's specific areas of operation may evolve in response to emerging needs and opportunities.

Partnerships and Accountability

Street Child typically operates through a network of local partner organizations, working collaboratively to implement projects and build local capacity. The charity emphasizes accountability and transparency in its operations, regularly reporting on its impact and financial performance. They undergo independent audits and adhere to ethical fundraising practices.

Funding

Street Child relies on a combination of funding sources, including individual donations, corporate partnerships, grants from foundations, and support from institutional donors. These funds are used to finance the charity's programs and operations around the world.