Strategic Objectives
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- Christian Children’s Fund of Canada implements Preventing Irregular Child Migration in Central America project
- The four-year, $15.2-million project is jointly funded by Global Affairs Canada
- The project aims to keep youth and children safe through training, improved employment opportunities and leadership skills development
Finding “hope at home” for vulnerable children: $15-million joint venture led by Canadians providing hope and solutions for irregular child migration from Central America
Now, Canadians are playing a vital role in giving hope to these children. Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC) is implementing a unique program called PICMCA — Preventing Irregular Child Migration in Central America — to help youth in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua. A four-year, $15.2-million project, PICMCA is a joint venture between CCFC, Global Affairs Canada, which provided $12.6 million in funding, ChildFund International and Educo.
Facts:
- El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico have emerged as some of the most dangerous countries in the world outside of active war zones, with soaring homicide rates.
- All unaccompanied minors, regardless of their age are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation; their basic rights aren’t always observed. (IOM, 2010)
- Girls who are experiencing (or have experienced) gender-based violence, and particularly sexual violence, may see migration as a way to escape that violence. For boys, it can be a route to avoid or escape getting caught up in gang-related violence.
The root causes of irregular migration
PICMCA is working to address three key issues that most often lead to irregular migration: (1) High levels of crime and violence caused by socio-economic conditions and drug trade, (2) Limited employment and educational opportunities and associated social exclusion, and (3) Lack of awareness of the dangers of irregular child migration.
Making a real difference
Helping 129 communities in Mexico and Central America with high levels of vulnerability and risk for irregular migration, the PICMCA project is expected to benefit 230,000 people, 130,000 of whom are children and youth. PICMCA has three key areas of focus for making a real difference: (1) Keeping children and youth safe through training at all levels, (2) Improving employment opportunities for youth, and (3) Improving youth leadership.
For more information about the root causes of irregular migration and how CCFC is making a real difference, click here.
This approach works:
CCFC has experienced tremendous success with youth-oriented programs in these regions. Axel, of Managua, Nicaragua benefitted from a similar, life-changing program: “The CCFC-supported youth group gave me and others in my community a safe place to learn about possibilities and new opportunities. I’ve now graduated with a Systems and Technologies Engineering degree, and I also have a degree in Leadership and Political Management. And best of all, I have a bright future ahead of me. This program truly changed the course of my life and the lives of my family.”
“We cannot look away and ignore vulnerable children. As global citizens, we must help keep them safe and provide them with real options for the future,” adds Canagasingham. “CCFC is part of the solution. We’ve witnessed the positive effects our programs can have, and we look forward to PICMCA helping to improve the lives of these at-risk children who are desperately searching for hope.”
Learn more about the work CCFC is undertaking in Central America by viewing the Irregular Child Migration in Central America PICMCA video outlining the issue and solutions on the CCFCanada YouTube page. Video and images of affected youth and CCFC’s work in Central America are available.
Preventing Irregular Child Migration in Central America (PICMCA):
Children Believe is leading a $15.2-million regional project in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua, designed to improve the well-being of children and youth who are at risk of irregular migration. The Government of Canada is contributing $12.6 million to the four-year project. The initiative addresses a number of the root causes that fuel irregular migration — from high levels of crime and violence, limited employment and educational opportunities, to social exclusion and a lack of information on the inherent dangers of migrating without following the normal immigration procedures. For this project, Children Believe is partnering with two non-governmental organizations: ChildFund International-USA and Educo.
ABOUT CHILDREN BELIEVE:
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.