Farafenni, located in the area connecting northern Senegal with the Casamance region, is one of the main border towns in the north of The Gambia. For this reason, it is a very popular location for migrant minors from Gambia, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau heading for Dakar or other foreign destinations. The difficulties of the migratory condition, the early separation from the family nucleus as well as the traumas and violence suffered, make the minors extremely vulnerable having very evident emotional, affective and behavioural difficulties.
As part of the project, COOPI established a reception and transit centre in Farafenni, where staff provide psychosocial support and targeted accompaniment to the child. In order to create the best conditions for the child's reintegration, the staff accompany the child's training and the creation of micro-enterprises designed to improve the family's economic situation and thus prevent further migration.
Over the past year, COOPI Gambia's centre has become a reference point for all organisations in the sector in the country, as there are no other similar services in it. As well as working within the centre, COOPI works closely with communities to raise awareness about the risks of migration, mental health and respect for gender equality.
