Health Program
Facilitating access to care for vulnerable children and youth, especially those living on the streets.
Children and youth living on the streets survive in unsanitary environments marked by violence and extreme precariousness. They are frequently exposed to diseases, drug use, accidents, conflicts, and physical and psychological abuse. Their situation makes them highly vulnerable to numerous dangers and deepens their marginalisation.
This social exclusion makes access to healthcare and support even more difficult. Often, their treatment within healthcare structures is inadequate due to a lack of financial resources. As a result, they are left in a state of severe vulnerability, without access to the medical and support services they need for their well-being.
Our Mission
Providing access to physical and psychological healthcare for street-involved youth—both at the Centre and on the streets.
Our mission is to ensure access to physical and mental healthcare for vulnerable children and youth, particularly those living on the streets. To achieve this, we have established a structured action plan through our Health Department. This includes street outreach interventions, consultations and treatments at the CEPG infirmary, as well as referrals and follow-ups at local hospitals.
Alongside medical services, we provide personalised psychological support to help the youth rebuild themselves emotionally and mentally, supporting their journey toward balance and healing.
Our Method
A humanising welcome, medical care, social support, and awareness of health risks for vulnerable youth.
Our method, grounded in CEPG’s educational principles, is based on a human-centred approach, adapted medical care, and comprehensive social support. We prioritise listening and respecting each individual to establish trust.
We also actively raise awareness about health risks related to life on the streets by sharing information and proposing solutions. Health education, combined with medical and social follow-up, helps improve both the physical and mental well-being of these youth, while equipping them with the tools they need to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Our Challenges
We face relational and material difficulties, as well as an insufficient staff to meet growing health needs.
The difficulties we face fall into three categories: relational, material, and treatment-related. On the relational level, we deal with the impatience of the young people, which can sometimes manifest as verbal or physical violence.
On the material side, medication shortages occur, affecting the continuity of care. Furthermore, accompanying the sick to hospitals remains a challenge, as the absence of a suitable vehicle complicates this essential task.
Finally, the quantity and complexity of the health needs of street children place significant pressure on our work, which is further exacerbated by an insufficient number of staff.
Our Results
In 2024, 5,441 young people received medical care, illustrating our commitment to improving access to healthcare for all.
In 2024, 5,441 young people benefited from medical care thanks to our joint efforts to improve access to healthcare. This figure reflects our commitment to addressing the health needs of young people, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.Â
With a strengthened network of healthcare professionals, dedicated partners, and personalized support, we were able to provide tailored, preventive, and curative care. These results highlight the importance of early intervention, attentive listening, and sustained support for youth in order to build a healthier, more equitable, and forward-looking society.
Our Impact in Numbers
Year 2024
5,441 young people received medical care, marking tangible progress in access to healthcare.
