Join us to take a child off
the street today.
Operation Rescue 5K
Poverty is the main reason why hundreds of thousands of children hawk on the streets of Lagos daily. Children under 16 and as young as six sell openly and widely throughout Africa, leaving them vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse. In many cases street hawking also deprives them of basic education.
BOAS Foundation aims to rescue up to 5000 children across the street in Africa by 2030.
Here’s a story of Shakira, a 41 year old lady and a single mother who hawks on the street of Lagos with 2 of her underage children
Shakira’s story
“I get here between 7 am and 8 am and don’t leave until 10 pm”, explains Shakira, Both of her underage sons are street traders, weaving between lanes of traffic selling to commuters trapped in their cars in Lagos’s notorious gridlock. “It’s dangerous of course,” she says. “I never wanted them to do it, but life happened that way.”
On a good day she makes roughly N1,000 Naira (£1.52), and works six days a week. “It is hard but I have no other choice. I didn’t go to school, I can’t steal or sell myself. I have to sell for my children’s school fees, for rent and food.”
With as low as £100 (N85,000), Shakira and her two sons could be off the streets for a school term. With continuous support, they would be off the streets forever.
BOAS Ambassador
Become a Volunteer
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No financial commitment is required from you
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Ideally you live in Lagos (or close to Lagos)
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You are passionate about helping a child off the street.
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You help BOAS Foundation identify a child on the street
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You evaluate the need of the child with BOAS directors.
BOAS
Partner
Become a Partner
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You are an individual, group, family or organisation
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You are passionate about helping a child off the street.
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You invest in a child’s school fees or/and upkeep for a year.
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You advise BOAS Foundation of further empowerment for the child.