Cape Verde

Cape Verde: Uplifting Island Youth With Opportunity and Inclusion

Explore Cape Verde:

Learn how children across these beautiful islands are working to overcome poverty, exclusion, and youth unemployment — and how communities are helping them stay in school, stay hopeful, and stay seen.

The Situation for Children in Cape Verde

Cape Verde is known for its peace, democracy, and vibrant culture. But beneath the surface of this island nation, many children face isolation, inequality, and limited future prospects. These are the three most pressing issues affecting them today:

Youth Unemployment and Economic Vulnerability

Many children grow up in households with unstable income or seasonal work, especially in rural islands. When young people leave school, there are few job opportunities, leading to early dropout and hopelessness.

Educational Disparities Between Islands

While education access is strong in urban areas, children on remote islands often lack adequate schools, trained teachers, or transportation. These gaps lead to uneven academic outcomes and higher dropout rates — especially among rural girls.

Social Exclusion of Children With Disabilities

In many parts of Cape Verde, children with physical or intellectual disabilities face stigma and isolation. Schools are not always equipped for inclusion, and families often lack the resources to provide care or advocacy.

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

Key Contributor #1: Associação Colmeia

Helping Youth Build Skills and Find Purpose

In the capital of Praia and beyond, Associação Colmeia is working with vulnerable teens to reduce school dropout, train job skills, and restore self-confidence. Their youth centers offer tutoring, emotional support, and workshops in everything from solar energy to sewing.

Many students arrive discouraged or disconnected — Colmeia helps them reconnect. The organization also partners with local employers to provide mentorship and internships, giving young people a real bridge from school to opportunity.

For teens growing up with few options, Colmeia becomes a place to be seen, heard, and prepared for a future that once felt out of reach.

Key Contributor #2: Acarinhar – Associação de Apoio à Criança com Deficiência

Promoting Inclusion for Children With Disabilities

Across Cape Verde, many children with disabilities still live in the shadows — excluded from schools and social life. Acarinhar is working to change that by offering direct support to children with special needs and advocating for inclusive policy at the national level.

Through therapy programs, parent support groups, and school inclusion efforts, Acarinhar is helping families understand their rights and helping teachers gain the tools they need to support every student. They also raise public awareness about disability stigma and the importance of accessibility in education.

For many children, Acarinhar is the difference between isolation and belonging — between silence and voice.

Key Event #1: Island School Ferry Program – São Nicolau

Getting Kids to School Across Land and Sea

In the mountainous island of São Nicolau, students from remote villages once had to hike for hours or skip school entirely. In 2023, a partnership between local NGOs and transport services launched the Island School Ferry Program, providing daily boat and van transportation to connect children with secondary schools.

The difference was immediate: attendance jumped, and students arrived rested, on time, and ready to learn. One child said, “It’s the first time I get to school without missing the morning.”

This simple transportation solution has become a lifeline — turning distance into access.

Key Event #2: Inclusive Education Week – Santiago Island

Celebrating Children With Disabilities and Changing Perceptions

In 2024, Acarinhar organized Inclusive Education Week in partnership with public schools and local artists. The week featured classroom inclusion training, disability awareness campaigns, art workshops, and a celebration of students with disabilities through music and dance.

Teachers received hands-on tools to adapt learning for diverse needs, and children shared stories of what inclusion meant to them. For many, it was the first time seeing children with disabilities celebrated — not hidden.

The event reshaped the way teachers, students, and families talked about ability — and opened new doors in the process.

Top Grassroot Nonprofits Across Cape Verde