Their luggage is next to nothing. Because when the young boys and girls from the south of Burkina Faso leave their villages, there is not much to take. They finally set out to earn some money – for a cycle, a wedding, or to support the family. The youngsters are headed towards the Ivory Coast, where their dreams are supposed to come true by working on plantations. However, no one has told them about men who will deceive them and sell them as slaves. If at all they return, it is only empty-handed.
In order to protect youngsters from such bitter experiences, the organization, GARD, stresses upon local prospects. Community gardens were set up in more than 30 villages with youth groups, so that the harvest can be sold easily in the market in the nearby district of Koloko. Small livestock breeding and grain banks, which can be used during the dry season, ensure supply of food to the families. In addition, GARD also offers vocational training to youth. Because if they have attractive options in their own village, they will turn a deaf ear to the treacherous promises of child traffickers.

last update 01. 06. 2005