A young girl smiling in Central African Republic.
Where we work

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic has struggled with violence and political instability for decades, leaving 2.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including 1.3 million children. 

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Children in the Central African Republic (CAR) bear the brunt of years of armed conflict and political insatiability. 

The violence has displaced 488,000 people, half of whom are children, while children struggle to access the basics they need to survive, including healthcare and food.  

The CAR is a dangerous place to be a child. They are at risk of separation from their families, recruitment by armed forces and groups, and forced labour and trafficking. Girls are particularly vulnerable. They face sexual violence and female genital mutilation, while nearly 2 in 3 women aged 20-24 are married or in a union before the age of 18.  

There’s a vital need to support vulnerable children in the CAR but humanitarian aid is challenging to deliver. There are increasing attacks on humanitarian workers, including kidnappings, which makes the CAR one of the most dangerous places to deliver humanitarian aid. Despite these challenges, War Child is committed to delivering life-saving programmes to support the most vulnerable children and their families. 

Scale of the challenge

  • 1.3 M

    Children in need of humanitarian assistance

  • 50 %

    Children have no access to health services

  • 40 %

    Children under the age of five suffering from chronic malnutrition

Our work in the Central African Republic 

Since 2014, War Child has been working in the CAR to provide life-saving services to children and families affected by conflict. We provide child protection, education and mental health support, while facilitating the release of children from armed forces and groups. Currently, War Child’s programmes are in Ouham Pende and Bamingui Bangoran. In 2023, we provided vital services to 22,728 children and adults. 

Photo was taking during a War Child FC project session in the Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture.
Photo taken by Daniel Shema
At the beginning of the sessions, I was too closed off. Since both my parents died, I thought it was the end for me. Today, I feel confident about my future and open to others.
Marie, Central African Republic.

War Child programmes include: 

Reintegration 

War Child supports children who have been recruited or exploited by armed groups, including survivors of gender-based violence and unaccompanied children. Children receive mental health support, education, vocational training and community reintegration activities which help them reclaim a sense of hope and stability. In 2023, we facilitated the release and reintegration of 1,178 children from armed groups.  

Child-Friendly Spaces 

We set up and run a network of child-friendly spaces where children are sheltered from harm and receive the care and support they need to overcome trauma.  

Child Protection 

We identity children who face risks to their safety and wellbeing, and respond with tailored packages of care, including providing civil documentation to undocumented children, work opportunities for young people and vulnerable families, and delivering awareness sessions with local partners and communities. In 2023, we reached 11,387 people through sessions on child protection, sexual and gender-based violence, and other child-related issues, including the avoidance of explosive devices. 

Mental Health Support 

We offer a wide range of mental health support to children including individual counselling, group sports, and play-based activities, alongside stress reduction and positive parenting sessions for caregivers. In 2023, we provided this vital mental health support to 10,571 children and 220 parents and caregivers.  

Promoting Peacebuilding 

To create a more positive future for children, we work closely with youth-led advocacy and engage with local authorities and community leaders.  

 
Project focus – War Child Football Club 

War Child Football Club uses the power of sport to help children improve their wellbeing and recover from the damaging effects of conflict. Weekly sessions, delivered by locally recruited and trained coaches, focus on identity and self-awareness, emotional regulation, positive social skills, conflict resolution, and future plans. These sessions help children deal with the trauma of the past while building the skills to look forward to a more positive future. 

Children taking part in War Child FC in CAR.
Photo taken by Daniel Shema
We won’t stop until every child living through conflict is safe from harm. 

But we can’t do it without you. 

Donate to War Child today and help us be there for children in CAR and other conflict zones around the world.

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