MOLTO PIU’ DI UN PACCHETTO REGALO 2021

MOLTO PIU’ DI UN PACCHETTO REGALO 2021 The initiative “MOLTO PIU’ DI UN PACCHETTO REGALO 2021” (“much more than a gift pack 2021”) is a fundraiser which helps the activities led by Mani Tese (“Caring Hands”) an Organization that works to give support to children and women victims of abuse in Guinea-Bissau.

HISTORY AND ACTIVITIES IN GUINEA-BISSAU

Mani Tese works in Guinea-Bissau since 1964. It has operated, and still operates, in aid of health, food supply, economy, and protection of human rights. In 2009, Mani Tese signed an Agreement with the Government, which permits the Organization to have an on-site department. Currently, Mani Tese works in all the 8 regions of Guinea-Bissau. It is concentrating its attention in the food sector and migration.

THE CONTEXT Guinea-Bissau is a country with a high production potential. The problem is that it’s the poorest place in Africa from an economic point of view. This context is due to it’s political instability and shortage of work, and, sadly, episodes of violence on minors and women daily occur. Young girls are victims of forced marriage (according to a 2014 study, 59,6% of girls aged 15-19 are married with much older men), and trafficking in minors is sadly widespread. ACTIVITIES The 3 keywords of the organization are protection, prevention, and sensibilization. 1) Protection of victims Mani Tese supports a reception center for young girls victims of forced marriages and women victims of abuse. They receive not only protection, but also psychological and legal support. They have also the possibility to learn a profession and to be reintegrated in the society. Mani Tese also works to protect children from trafficking in minors, called “talibè children”, through the cooperation with ONG local partners. Mani Tese directly works with the local partner AMIC to collect information about those minors, to carry out their homecoming, and to give a psychological support. 2) Prevention of violence and abuse Violence and abuse take place in contexts of extreme poverty. So, prevention is possible if the social and economic situation improves. Mani Tese tries to improve this situation through: computer courses and digital production classes; training courses to help young people in finding career opportunities; support to the horticultural and poultry supply chain; support to the supply chain of peanuts. 3) Sensibilization, education and information Awareness campaigns are held, such as activities of sensibilization about regular and irregular migration, the importance of women, trafficking, etc. In addition, in primary schools, activities with students and parents are organized to sensitize about gender-based violence; the competency of local police is strengthened; local committees are constituted to monitor and denounce dangerous situations.