Support for children in crisis

Maison de la Gare implements an intensive nighttime intervention program to help talibé children in situations of great vulnerability, particularly those abandoned, runaway, or left to fend for themselves on the streets of Saint-Louis. Several times a week, a dedicated team of street educators patrols the city's neighborhoods, bus stations, markets, public places, and even remote areas where these children often seek to hide to escape violence, cold, or insecurity. These patrols help rescue more than 150 children each year, offering them a caring first contact and a temporary, secure refuge in our emergency shelter.

This initial welcome marks the beginning of attentive and personalized support. Each child is cared for in a reassuring environment, and we open a personal file for them. This file allows for a thorough assessment of their situation, their background, and their physical, psychological, and social needs, as well as the underlying reasons for their vagrancy. We aim to understand each child's story in order to propose fair and lasting solutions.

Maison de la Gare places respect, dignity, and protection of children at the heart of its work. Our team works closely with local authorities, social services, marabouts, families, and community partners to identify the best possible alternatives. The goal is to prevent a return to the streets by creating a healthier and safer environment for each child. This may involve a return to their daara with a commitment to improving living conditions, or reintegration into their home community when possible and desirable. In some cases, the child may also be referred to childcare facilities more suited to their specific situation.

Our support doesn't stop there. Regular monitoring ensures a smooth and sustainable transition. This monitoring includes visits to daaras or families and personalized educational support, as well as psychosocial support as needed. The goal is to establish a long-term relationship of trust, to prevent returns to the street, and to enable each child to gradually build a new life that is more stable, dignified, and full of hope.

Through this program, Maison de la Gare reaffirms its deep commitment to protecting the most vulnerable talibé children and to defending their fundamental right to live in safety, supported, listened to, and respected.