The Kolda Adolescent Counseling Center (CCA) and the Open Environment Educational Action (AEMO) have decided to join forces to combat youth delinquency, a scourge that plagues the lives of this social group in Fouladou.

As in several regions of the country, Kolda is not immune to the rise in deviant behavior among adolescents, often linked to drug and alcohol use and increased violence. According to several analyses, the causes of this phenomenon are numerous and complex: poverty, economic inequality, unemployment, academic failure, dysfunctional families, and exposure to domestic violence. All these factors contribute to marginalization and push some young people toward delinquency.

Aware of the scale of the problem, the Kolda CCA, already recognized for its work in mentoring and training young girls, has decided to extend its efforts to boys. Inspired by the success of the girls' clubs, the center recently established boys' clubs to better guide and raise their awareness.

In this dynamic, he sought the technical support of the AEMO in order to conduct participatory talks and discussions with young people, with the aim of identifying the root causes of delinquency and providing lasting solutions.

“This initiative by the CCA is to be commended, as it addresses the alarming rise in drug, alcohol, and youth violence. During our discussions, I was surprised to find that the majority of teenagers can recognize drugs, and some even admitted to using them. This shows how easily these substances are accessible to them. It is extremely worrying,” said Ousmane Sonko, a specialized educator and regional coordinator for AEMO in Kolda.

This approach, welcomed by those involved in juvenile justice, aims to prevent the commission of serious acts such as physical or sexual violence, theft or damage to property.

Through this approach, the CCA hopes to transform these young people into responsible citizens, aware of the risks of social exclusion and the lasting consequences of juvenile delinquency on their future.