Guinea

Guinea: Protecting Childhood in the Margins of Poverty and Promise

Explore Guinea:

Learn how children in this resource-rich but underserved country are navigating school barriers, child labor, and harmful traditions — and meet the grassroots voices rewriting the story of what’s possible.

The Situation for Children in Guinea

Guinea is home to immense natural wealth and a vibrant culture, yet millions of children grow up facing deep inequality and limited support. From rural villages to mining towns, they face conditions that hinder learning, safety, and self-worth. These are the three most urgent issues:

High Rates of Child Labor in Mining and Agriculture

Thousands of children work in gold mines and on farms, often in unsafe, informal settings. Many begin working as early as age 7 and drop out of school due to poverty and family pressure.

Barriers to Education and Low Retention for Girls

Though enrollment has improved, schools in rural Guinea are often overcrowded or under-resourced. Girls, in particular, drop out due to early pregnancy, child marriage, or long travel distances to school.

Harmful Traditional Practices Including FGM

Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains widespread despite laws against it. Girls are often cut before adolescence, leading to lifelong trauma, health complications, and interrupted education.

Despite these challenges, Guinea’s children remain full of hope, dreaming of education, health, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Key Contributor #1: Club des Jeunes Filles Leaders de Guinée

Empowering Girls to Speak Out and Stay in School

Led by young women and former child marriage survivors, Club des Jeunes Filles Leaders de Guinée works to end FGM, promote girls’ education, and mentor girls facing family or cultural pressure. They organize school visits, community dialogues, and leadership training in villages across the country.

They don’t just fight for change — they embody it.

Key Contributor #2: Destin en Main

Helping Children Leave Mines and Reclaim Their Childhood

Destin en Main (Destiny in Hand) is a local organization supporting children working in Guinea’s informal gold mining sector. They offer transitional education, psychosocial counseling, and vocational support to help children leave labor and reenter learning.

They also work with families and mine owners to create safer alternatives — ensuring that no child is treated as a tool.

Their work is slow, personal, and life-changing.

Key Event #1: Girls' Protection Caravan – Kindia Region

Bringing Anti-FGM Education to Rural Communities

In 2023, Club des Jeunes Filles Leaders launched a Girls’ Protection Caravan to visit remote villages and speak with parents, elders, and young girls about the physical and emotional costs of FGM.

Through storytelling, theater, and peer testimonies, the caravan challenged harmful norms with compassion — and showed what safer girlhood can look like.

The caravan changed minds — and saved futures.

Key Event #2: Mine Exit Transition Program – Siguiri

Helping Child Laborers Rebuild Their Lives Through Learning

In the gold-rich town of Siguiri, Destin en Main piloted the Mine Exit Transition Program, working with 75 children to leave informal mines and begin an accelerated literacy and life-skills curriculum.

Many had never held a book. Within months, they could read, write, and begin dreaming about trades, schools, and futures beyond the dust and danger.

Their courage is reshaping what’s possible — child by child.

Top Grassroot Nonprofits Across Guinea