Our Mission

About Future of Africa, assisting homeless youth in Ghana

Our mission is to mentor African youth to build hope, character, and assets to break the cycle of extreme poverty in Africa.

The Truth Of Life In Accra

Driving through Accra, it’s hard not to notice the growing number of young people wiping windshields at the Okponglo, directing traffic at the Boundary road-Adjiringanor road intersection, and begging for money at Opeibea. The situation is similar in Kasoa, Takoradi, Kumasi, and Tamale. At night, some of these children sleep in uncompleted buildings, under bridges, and on sidewalks in the open air.

Homeless youth in Accra, Ghana

The Scale Of This Crisis

From Durban to Alexandria, from Nairobi to Accra the problem of child homelessness is a growing concern in many major cities across the continent. There are 30 million children living in street situations in Africa, according to a 2011 ILO-UNICEF joint estimate. In Ghana, conservative estimates suggest that there are about 204,000 children living in street situations in Accra, up from an estimated 33,000 in 2011.

Knowledge Is Power

Most people are apprehensive when approached by children in street situations. Seeking their daily survival, these children may be desperate and sometimes aggressive, and their persistence in getting attention often generates fear and anxiety. Although children in street situations are not all innocent, the general public knows little about their lives, forming judgments based on assumptions. Many of these children endure daily violence, trafficking, and sexual exploitation in the streets. They experience significant trauma from physical abuse, rape, hit and runs, and brutality. In the worst cases, some meet untimely deaths with no justice.

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Make A Difference

Through the help of our partners and donors, FOA is able to be in the streets of Accra weekly, continuing to bring hope to children in street situations.

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Finding Family

Children in street situations are often born into poverty and broken family systems. Most are primary school dropouts who seek refuge in the streets from negligence, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at home. Once in the streets, the brutal realities they face force them to become hardened to avoid being taken advantage of. At the same time, they meet other children in the streets with similar experiences, and together they build strong familial bonds.

Beginning The Healing

Children in street situations are vulnerable to extremely poor health with no access to basic healthcare. They often suffer from starvation, repeat exposure to malaria, bacterial infections, respiratory issues, HIV/AIDS, and other ailments. Life on the streets also has significant impacts on these children’s mental health, and many become addicted to opioids such as tramadol, marijuana, or sex as coping mechanisms for undiagnosed anxiety, depression, or PTSD, as well as chronic loneliness and neglect.

The Next Steps

As Ghana faces rising poverty and unemployment rates, children in street situations represent one of the country’s most urgent humanitarian crises. If ignored, these young people may grow up to become desperate and disenfranchised adults with nothing more to lose. This is not a recipe for safety, peace, and development.

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Future of Africa performing street outreach in Accra, Ghana

  • I have chosen to partner with FOA to train girls in hairdressing because having a skill means that these girls are less vulnerable, because they have a means of making money. They are not trapped in poverty without a way out.
    Kuorkor Dzani, Founder Twist & Locs

Every Moment Counts

Every moment a child is off the streets and in the classroom is another moment for the Future of Africa.

Bringing Hope to Street Youth Through Consistency and Love – Esther’s Internship Experience

Bringing Hope to Street Youth Through Consistency and Love – Esther’s Internship Experience

Esther's New Year’s resolution was to make a difference in her community and after researching FOA, she knew she’d found the perfect place to give back.

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Practical Job Skills Unlocks Confidence in Former Street Youth

Practical Job Skills Unlocks Confidence in Former Street Youth

Ten former street children have embarked on vocational training programs to launch successful careers in fields like fashion design, auto mechanics, carpentry and catering.

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Equipping the Next Generation to Lead Social Change

Equipping the Next Generation to Lead Social Change

Through street outreach, leadership workshops, and reflection sessions, FOA immerses high school and university students in the challenges faced by street children, helping them understand the issue and become advocates for change.

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Become The Change You Want To See

The future of Africa starts with young people harnessing the fundamentals of social responsibility to drive positive change within themselves.

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