Analysis the Samusocial Organisation's Actions for the Social Inclusion and Development of Street Children in Mali

Abstract

According to data taken from Samusocial's annual report, 2,437 Children and Young People Living on the Streets, including 1,154 boys, 1,139 girls and young mothers, and 144 babies under the age of 5, were cared for in 2024. Despite the various national and international conventions and laws signed and ratified by the Malian government, the streets of major cities are increasingly home to children and young people. The right to education, to belong to a family and healthy food have become luxuries for these homeless people. Day and night, children are often seen roaming the streets and public spaces in search of food, clothing and shelter. Various reasons push them to live on the streets, far from their families. They are exposed to all kinds of violence and exploitation because they are left to fend for themselves in highly precarious conditions. These forms of violence include the exploitation for work without compensation, sexual abuse and corporal punishment of some by others. This situation contributes to the continuous rise in urban insecurity and juvenile delinquency. This study provides an analysis of the initiatives undertaken by Samusocial Mali (the emergency social service) aimed at promoting the social inclusion of the street children.