The family serves as the first school before children are introduced to formal education programmes. It is within this setting that children learn vital values, essential skills, and emotional intelligence, like honesty, trust, environmental stewardship, team spirit, responsibility, and social recognition, which shape their futures. These teachings establish a secure, positive, and supportive environment that allows the growth and development of all family members, promoting thriving interpersonal relationships and constructive behavioural patterns. Each year, we commemorate International Day of Families on 15 May. We are excited to be part of promoting and strengthening families for sustainable development.
The theme for the International Day of Families 2025, "Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development," emphasises that families require robust support to build resilience, which is vital for sustainable community development. We endorse incorporating family-focused policies into national development plans and recognise the urgent need for action to support families. However, as Humana People to People, we do not delay taking action to help families, which is visible through our initiatives. Families need support as they are integral units within the community, responsible for the growth and nurturing of children. Well-nurtured children form the basis for sustainable families that create a future community. Supporting families is not just an option, it is a shared responsibility we all have to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
The Child Aid project, led by our members ADPP Guinea-Bissau, is dedicated to sustainable community development. It focuses on engaging families and the entire community to create a support system for children. The project supports the families in Guinea-Bissau, with a focus on protecting children by preventing violence and exploitation, including human trafficking. The project empowers families with essential knowledge and skills, ensuring children grow up in healthy, safe and nurturing environments. Recognising children as the future, ADPP Guinea-Bissau invests in their well-being to build a healthier and sustainable community.
ADPP Guinea-Bissau Child Aid project operates within a collaborative framework that includes the public administration, community leaders, and civil society organisations. These stakeholders are key to addressing relevant national issues and raising awareness among communities about the issue of child trafficking. They also mobilise and train young people and women to lead community projects with a positive impact.
The project engages with various stakeholders, including the Institute for Women and Children, the Ministry of Women, Family, and Social Solidarity, Instituto da Mulher e Criança (IMC), Medical Assistance International (AMI), Associação Guineense de Luta Contra Migração Irregular e Tráfico de Seres Humanos e Proteção das Crianças (AGLUCOMI-TSH) (The Guineense Association Fighting Against Irregular Migration, Human Traficking and For Protection of Children).Together, they focus on promoting community development initiatives that aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in local communities. By fostering these collaborations, ADPP Guinea-Bissau seeks to leverage resources and expertise, ensuring that its efforts are effective and sustainable for long-term growth and improvement.
The project also nurtures the youth and has established culture centres where they receive cooking, music, and dance training. This training strengthens their connection to their families and fosters a sense of community by sharing knowledge and experiences. The project promotes sustainable development by connecting youth to their families and communities, as these skills can lead to economic opportunities and resilience.
The youth collaborate with professional musicians to bring their musical talents to life in the newly established recording studio. This artistic expression not only supports their personal growth but also has the potential to enhance local cultural identities, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the area. Beyond the support provided through the arts, the project inspires young people to master cooking and entrepreneurship, opening doors for income generation and financial independence, which is crucial for sustainable livelihoods.
To achieve meaningful progress, we must unite in our collective efforts to support families on their journey towards sustainable development. This unity is crucial as families face various challenges and obstacles that require a collaborative approach. By working together, we can provide the necessary resources, education, and encouragement to empower families, enabling them to adopt sustainable practices that benefit not only themselves but also the environment and society as a whole.
