Claire Amitié Internationale
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
Founded in France in 1946 by Thérèse Cornille, Claire Amitié was established to support young girls and women in distress by providing them with a nurturing, family-like environment. Despite losing her sight in 1962, Cornille continued her mission alongside Christiane Muller, broadening the organization’s impact. Claire Amitié offers a welcoming environment, support, and comprehensive training for young women, especially those with children. The organization focuses on creating small communities where women receive assistance with personal balance, vocational training, and reintegration into society or the Church. The goal is to restore dignity, foster self-awareness, and empower individuals to make free and responsible choices.
Country Information
Senegal, a Sahelian country, underwent political reform in 1996, enhancing local authorities’ resources but facing financial challenges. The 557 municipalities struggle with low tax revenues and economic issues exacerbated by:
– Economic Decline: The COVID-19 pandemic caused growth to plummet from 7% in 2020 to -0.7%, with a projected 5.2% growth in 2021.
– Rising Living Costs: Increases in fuel, electricity, and food prices.
– Low Farmer Incomes: Particularly affecting peanut farmers.
– Widespread Poverty: Present in both urban and rural areas.
In Kaolack, a major commune in western Senegal, economic issues are intensified by reliance on agriculture and climate change. The area’s youth, especially young women, face significant challenges. Claire Amitié Kaolack provides a safe space to help these young people develop skills and integrate into society.
The Need
Claire Amitié Internationale seeks to reduce poverty and support the professional integration of young women by addressing their financial, material, and educational challenges. Many of these young women are out of school. The initiative aims to begin in January 2025, following three months of preparation starting in October 2024. This program addresses the lack of daycare and appropriate qualifications in the Kaolack region, which hinders personal development.
The Project We Fund
The project aims to establish a new early childhood training sector offering a comprehensive 2-year program, culminating in a state certificate. This initiative will create new socio-professional opportunities in the Kaolack region. The training will include:
Theoretical Courses: French, mathematics, IT, drawing, crafts.
Practical Courses: Childcare, nutrition, medico-social science, general biology.
Personal Development: Support for internships.
We will accommodate those facing financial hardships, with some assistance from volunteers. Participants who struggle financially, including those with additional challenges such as absent fathers, will receive support. There is also a potential plan to open a nursery where trained women can work and gain practical experience.
The Result
Impact will be assessed through:
– Graduation Rates: Tracking the percentage of participants who complete the program.
– Internship Securing and Monitoring: Ensuring participants secure and successfully complete internships.
– Alumni Engagement: Monitoring graduates’ integration into the professional environment through engagement with the alumni association.
