AVSI is promoting the project “BIENVENUE – Prévenir l'abandon des enfants vulnérables,” funded by the Italian Department for Family Policies through the Commission for International Adoptions (CAI).
Launched in April 2026 in Burundi and the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), the project aims to strengthen the wellbeing of vulnerable children and prevent their abandonment by working over 18 months on child protection systems and access to quality education.
An integrated approach for communities and families
Bienvenue is based on an integrated approach that connects institutions, communities, and families in order to:
- strengthen the capacities of actors involved in child protection
- improve educational services and make them inclusive for children with disabilities
- support families economically through savings and credit groups
- rehabilitate school infrastructure and distribute educational materials
- raise community awareness of children’s rights
The goal is to improve case management within protection systems and empower communities to become more aware and proactive, while also fostering the economic autonomy of families. The project aims to generate lasting impact by contributing to stronger and more inclusive local systems.
Republic of Congo: in Brazzaville to address violence and exclusion
In the Republic of Congo, according to UNICEF data, 82.5% of children aged 5 to 9 are exposed to violent disciplinary methods, while violence in schools remains widespread. Challenges also persist in terms of learning quality and accessibility for children with disabilities.
The project activities focus on selected urban neighborhoods of the capital, Brazzaville, and will be implemented with local partners AABMM and NOVA. They include:
- strengthening the capacities of the Ministries of Social Affairs and Justice
- supporting five orphanages and one school serving 350 children with disabilities
- educational activities, coverage of school costs, and distribution of kits
- raising community awareness of children’s rights
- improving school infrastructure and providing economic support to families
The project directly engages operators, children, and parents, improving the management of vulnerability cases. The aim is to strengthen protection, promote social inclusion, and prevent juvenile delinquency by fostering safe environments where every child can grow.
Burundi: tackling school dropout and strengthening protection
In Burundi, the situation of children is also particularly critical. According to national data, 37.3% of the population has not received formal education, and in some provinces more than 8,300 students dropped out in the first months of the 2024–2025 school year.
The project operates in the provinces of Bujumbura Mairie and Cankuzo, in collaboration with AIC (Italian Footballers’ Association) and the local NGO Giriyuja, alongside educational and judicial authorities. It includes:
- school reintegration of 700 vulnerable children
- training for teachers, school leaders, and local authorities
- involvement of over 20,000 people in awareness-raising activities
- rehabilitation of schools and provision of teaching materials and equipment
- creation of savings groups and income-generating activities for families
Particular attention is given to strengthening protection systems through better case management and coordination. The project also promotes the direct involvement of families, a key factor in ensuring educational continuity and safeguarding children.
An intervention looking to the future
Drawing on AVSI’s experience in education and child protection, Bienvenue seeks to activate sustainable processes that continue beyond the duration of the project.
Through dialogue between institutions, communities, and families, the initiative contributes to building environments where children’s rights are recognized and every child has the opportunity to grow up safely, surrounded by competent adults.
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