Project Implementation
The street children project was launched in October 2010. This diagram outlines the different strands of our project, together with plans that we would hope to implement in the future:
The core of the project is the employment of three social workers from Taroudannt, who work with approximately 40 selected families to manage challenges in their lives. This team of social workers offers crucial assistance, be it through liaising with health and social authorities, advising on practical issues, or providing emotional support. Where appropriate, the social workers will give practical support to the children and their families. This support targets key areas identified by the interactions MCT and GMH have had with the children.
The social workers meet regularly (at least fortnightly) with the children and their families, together and separately. They meet with them at the office as a space in which to conduct séances d'écoute, on the street and at home. They follow the children's health, education, work and social life, using a plan developed jointly by MCT and GMH as a template for support and information-gathering. The social workers identify those children who are in need of one-to-one emotional support, and use the meeting room at the office, interviews, and focus groups to provide that support. The social team will takes the children on trips, which allow them to spend some time outside of their usual environment.
The second part of our project is the introduction of homework sessions taught outside of school for those whose attendance at school is very irregular, or those who are at risk of dropping out of school. There will be regular, scheduled homework sessions which will take place at the office each weekday and evening. These will be led by a teacher, who will have a part-time contract, and who will lead a team of volunteers who will assist the children with their work. The teacher will be supported in this work at all times by a member of the social work team. These lessons will happen twice a day, in accordance with the school timetable.
The school support group will create a space for children to do their schoolwork, as well as assist struggling students to keep up with their classmates. Our aim in working with these children is to support them to engage with education, by assisting them with schoolwork and helping them to see the relevance of education to their lives, something that is often difficult for children who are independently seeking to support their families and themselves financially.
In conjunction with the centre, regular sports activities in an adjacent sports hall have been made available to the children. Whilst some limited youth activities are available in Taroudannt, children on the street often feel socially excluded and do not participate. Sports can teach responsibility, discipline and teamwork, help the children combat boredom, and provide a safe alternative where both boys and girls are welcome. Due to the generosity of the Roger Shashoua Foundation, MCT now provides a safe place where the children can regularly play football, basketball, martial arts, and much more.
