Together

In the midst of ongoing turmoil and political unrest, the Central African Republic (CAR) grapples with a deep-seated humanitarian crisis, one that has left families fractured and communities in disarray. SOS CAR implements the JF-CPiE project in the Ouham prefecture, one of the most crisis-affected regions in the country, where there are several unaccompanied and separated children. The organization operates in five villages around Bossangoa city, providing lifesaving services, protection and psychological support to children, families and SGBV survivors.

In Bofango, one of the JF-CPiE intervention sites, located 12 km from Bossangoa on the Bouca axis, the project team works closely with community-based structures, in particular RECOPEs (community-based Child Protection networks), whose main role is to promote SGBV awareness-raising activities within communities and refer cases involving the protection of children and adults.

Through this collaboration, Bruno, a 13-year-old boy, was referred to the JF-CPiE. He was separated from his biological parents following the latest military-political crisis in 2020, which affected almost the entire country, including Batangafo, Bruno’s hometown.

Due to the conflict, Bruno was separated from his parents three years ago, and found himself in Ouham Bac, 45 km from Bossangoa on the Bozoum road (capital of the Lime Pende prefecture). A community member hosted Bruno, and initially treated him with love and attention. However, two years later, the host began mistreating the child and exploiting him as a guard for his field a few kilometres from the village. The field was quite dangerous since it was close to a marsh where hippopotamuses come out very often. Therefore, in order to save his life, Bruno planned his flee: he left Ouham Bac on foot for Bossangoa, where he spent a few days gathering information to prepare for his next trip to Batangafo (his home town).

Following his plan, he arrived in Bofango (one of JF-CPiE intervention sites) where he asked a community member for water. Given his unfamiliar face, the community member started questioning Bruno and found out a little about his history. Then, the boy was suddenly referred to RECOPE members, who in turn referred the case to the JF-CPiE project psychosocial agent for active listening and documentation.

After the initial interview, professionals started the case management process for family tracing and reunification. Bruno was placed in a temporary foster family identified by the organization, where he was provided with food, placement kits and adequate care.

“I’m really happy to be back home; at a certain point I thought I would never see my family again;” says Bruno with a great smile.

Additionally, the JF-CPiE project advocated with local authorities, such as the Ministry of Education and its financial partners, for his access to the comprehensive education program. Bruno fully benefited from this program while in Bofango, awaiting family reunification.

In terms of support, the child received psychological assistant and emotional care. Family tracing was conducted in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Social Affairs, including the Prefectural Sector Chief of Social Affairs based in Batangafo. After some months, his biological family was finally found in Batangafo, at the former IDP site known as the Youth House.

At the moment of reunification, the welcome was very warm, not only from the administrative and local authorities but also from the biological parents of the child, as well as from the community members. Bruno was truly overwhelmed with parental affection. In the touching testimony of the reunited child, according to his mother, his funeral had been held two years prior due to the simple fact that they had no news of him. The interim prefect took charge by instructing the chief of the social affairs sector to issue a supplementary birth certificate for the child, enabling his enrolment in the city’s Catholic school. Besides, the prefect assured his commitment to ensuring the child’s education.

By working closely with community members and local structures, the JF-CPiE project has contributed to promote a brighter and joyful future for hundreds of children in Central African Republic.