In a powerful show of solidarity and reflection, child protection actors in Benin’s Littoral department came together on 19 June 2025 in Cotonou to commemorate the Day of the African Child with a resounding call to action: protect and uplift the lives of street children.
Organised by the Departmental Directorate of Social Affairs and Microfinance of the Littoral, the event brought together government representatives, civil society organisations, social workers, and community leaders under one shared mission—strengthening the care and protection framework for one of the country’s most at-risk populations.
This year’s theme centered on building resilience and sustainable support systems for street children, whose daily realities are marked by instability, exploitation, and social exclusion.
The forum served not only as a celebration of children’s rights but as a vital space for dialogue on the urgent challenges facing vulnerable minors living on the streets of Cotonou and beyond.
According to the organisers, the gathering was more than symbolic—it was a commitment to action.
Stakeholders exchanged experiences and strategies aimed at improving access to essential services such as shelter, education, psychosocial support, and reintegration programs.
“The Day of the African Child is not just about commemoration—it is about creating real change for children who are too often forgotten,” said one official from the Directorate, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing the root causes of child displacement and neglect.
The event also featured testimonies from children and youth who have experienced life on the streets, underscoring the human impact behind the statistics and the critical need for community-based interventions.
As the day concluded, participants reaffirmed their shared goal: to build a future where no child is left to survive alone, and where every child—regardless of their circumstances—can thrive in safety, dignity, and hope.
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