World Bank: 2,809 working children and youth give their opinions on the projects African Movement of Working Children and Youth (AMWCY) JEUDA 124 - 2 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

Opinions expressed in this document are those of their authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the organizations concerned in this publication. Reproduction is free for educational or scientific purposes, with clear indi- cation of the source and address, as well as sending copies to Enda.

n Written by Dominique Gomis : Socio-Anthropologue Fabrizio Terenzio : Regional Coordinator, enda- ja n Consultants from 5 countries - Benin : Cather Nansounon - Burkina Faso : Issouf Hema - Burundi : Icoyitungiye Prosper - Cameroun : Tchatat Yakwa Godain Powel - Côte d’Ivoire : N’dri Yao Claude n Facilitation - 2.809 enfants et jeunes travailleurs des 5 pays - Moussa Harouna, coordinator program AMWCY - Aimé Bada, responsible for training, enda- ja - Mamadou Niambélé, assistant training, enda- ja n Photo Credit and illustrations Anoh Cyrille, Isaak Traore, Paulin, Maïga Moussa, Simboro Seydou, Zodissi Louis, WCY from Cameroun, WCY from Burundi n Production El Hadj Sarr © enda- jeunesse action. December 2013 ISSN 0850 - 1629 This document is produced with the support of Oak Foundation

Enda- Jeunesse Action BP 3370 Dakar - Sénégal Tél. : (221) 33 889 34 20 -Fax : (221) 33 823 51 57 Courrier électronique : [email protected] Internet : www.maejt.org Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 3 - S o m m a i r e

I- CHILDREN AND YOUTHS ...... P.4

II- PRESENTING THE ACHIEVED OUTCOMES ...... P.6 1- Children and youths' level of knowledge and proximity in regards to projects on which they expressed themselves...... p.6 2- Project's advantages and threats ...... p.11 3- Child labor ...... p.15 4- Education ...... p.22 5- Health ...... p.27 6- Blossoming out and greater well-being ...... p.32 7- Vulnerability ...... p.35

III- RECOMMENDATIONS ...... P.43 12 Recommendations on the design and management of projects ...... p.43 5 Recommendations to the World Bank ...... p.43 9 Recommendations to States and project actors ...... p.43

IV- PROSPECTS ...... P.45

APPENDIX ...... P.47 1- Process diagram and actors' role ...... p.47 2- Table of countries, localities, and participants in the local and national consultations ...... p.48 3- Projects financially supported by the World Bank on which the children expressed themselves ...... p.49 4- The 5 African countries concerned: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire ...... p.50 5- AMWCY statistics in 2013 ...... p.51 - 4 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank I - CHILDREN AND YOUTHS

Children, youths and consultants who took part at the Cameroon consultation

2,809 working children and youths attended a consultation that was held from May to July 2013.

Among the attendees were housemaids, apprentices learning different trades, vendors, workers from various economic sectors; snail, pig, chicken and fish breeders; hairdres- sers, market gardeners and children involved in other numerous jobs and who, for the most part, are either working or studying in formal schools or taking literacy courses by AMWCY.

2,084 were children who were less than 18 years old; while the youths included 725; girls, 1,358 and boys, 1,451.

They were represented by 163 children and youths (each one of them representing more than 17 WCYs) in the national consultations organized in 5 countries (see below);

Local consultations were held in 105 localities broken down as follows:

Benin : Abomey, Ab-Calavi, Agbangnizoun, Aguégué, Allada, Avrankou, Bassila, Bembèrèkè, Bohicon, Comè, Cotonou, Covè, Dassa, Grand-popo, Kandi, Kétou, Kpomassè, Lac, Lokossa, Malanville, Mboua, Missérété, Natitingou, Ndali, Ouidah, Parakou, Porto-Novo, Sèmèkpodji, Ségbanlan, Zakpota, Zè, Zinvié. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 5 -

Burkina Faso : Accart ville, Arfalao 1, Banfora, Bodoville, Bounouna, Bobo Dioulasso, Cissin, Delwendé, Espoir, Flantama, Kongolokande, Koudougou Kua Nayalgué, Ouagadougou Ouezzin ville, Patte d'oie, Rayitaaba, Samadin, Sarfalao 2, Songtaaba, Wafu

Burundi : Bujumbura, Bujumbura Mairie, Bubanza, Gitega, Cibitoke, Muramvya, Ruyigi, Bururi, Cankuzo

Cameroon : Baolio, Chasad., Congore, Domayo, Ebanga, Elig-doum, Emende, Etol, et quartier Kanabeng, Mbeka, Mboua, Mile 4, Mile 8, Ndamekon, Nkolbisson, Nkolfoulou, Nkol-bikok, Nyemeyon, Okola (Lendom), Ngoya, Obala 3, Pajok, Pitoare, Camp haous- sa

Cote d'Ivoire : Abidjan, Daloa, Duekoué, Grand-Lahou, Katiola, Korhogo, Ferkéssedougou, San-Pedro Touba, Toumodi

This report focuses mainly on what they said; their positions in relation to different issues; their recommendations and prospects (sometimes internal to AMWCY).

The figures provided show the average stances among the 5 national consultations held.

These debates occurred thanks to Oak's request to AMWCY and Enda TM. Thus, WCYs were able to become more involved in this World Bank projects issue they have been closely watching.

Some of the children consulted had a direct working experience from World Bank-finan- ced worksites; others worked on the periphery of those same worksites; for example, in shoddy restaurants that provided food for workers.

So, this is more than an opinion children express through the experiences they describe, when they report facts, like night shifts, or various abuses they were subjected to, for example regarding wages, they must be listened to, for they know what they are talking about. When they propose some improvements, such proposals should be taken very seriously. By the way, one is struck by the fact that most of their recommendations deal with project management issues …

In fact, the number of children who expressed themselves is very minimal; yet it repre- sents hundreds of thousands of members and supporters of this important African Movement of Working Children and Youth (see AMWCY statistics, Appendix 5). Let us learn to listen to them! - 6 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank II. PRESENTING THE ACHIEVED OUTCOMES

1- Children and youths' level of knowledge and proximity in regards to projects on which they expressed themselves

Burundi's WCY at the workshop During the five national consultations, the two following introductory questions were asked of the participants to test their knowledge, involvement and proximity in regards to the projects they expressed themselves on.

1. Have you ever heard about these projects? How? 2. Did the children have any contact with these projects?

1.1 "Have you ever heard about these projects on which you are expressing yourself? " a) Those who said no (have not heard about it) (25%)

Burkina Faso: 224 participants (including those consulted at grassroots level) have declared that they had never heard about the projects the World Bank have financed in their areas. They claimed that this is mainly due to a lack of information, which is often caused by the fact that they live far from decision-making spheres. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 7 -

Burundi: Those who hold such a point of view argue that:

Combining communication strategies enabled extensive communication. Different chan- nels were used to inform people in general; children and youths in particular. Administrative meetings, the media (radios, televisions, etc), press releases through churches; posters and banners were used as well. But more than 77% say that they have heard about these works while they were being implemented, and that 30% heard about them through informal ways. Children declare that they have not had any opportunity to express themselves before.

Cameroon: They back their choice with the fact that some children were aware of the activities of the Project for the Improvement of Agricultural Competitiveness (PACA), of the National Program of Participative Development (PNDP) and of the Lom Pangar project (construction of the hydroelectric dam) for example, but without knowing that these activities were part of those projects. According to consulted children, the on- going projects are government projects, designed and financed by the government of Cameroon.

Cote d'Ivoire: To prove that they were not informed about projects financed in their towns, regarding the following lines: - There is no radio report and "I haven't heard griots saying the World Bank has financed a project in Touba" - They have not seen any advertisement regarding a project that has been financed by the World Bank : "we do not have access to information on projects that are implemented in Abidjan" - They often get information from NGOs, governmental organizations, but they are not further informed on funding. b) Those who say: "a little, a little….we do not know much ……" 13%

Benin :We have some doubts because we are informed by our relatives; we do not have any information, any proof that such a project exists; children do not feel concerned by the distribution of condoms. We noticed that condoms are sold instead of being distribu- ted free. Burundi: People were not involved before the running of the project; some dishonest individuals did not want to get the word out; for example, they do not want to give eve- ryone a chance of getting a job. Cameroon: Those in this category claim that they have often heard about one or the other of the projects, but they could not tell what it was all about. NB: There are times when some of them have chosen one position; but, later becau- se of the reasons given by some of the others, they decide to change their minds, this can be explained by the fact that they had some first-hand information with children who had been consulted at grassroots level. - 8 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank c) Those who said yes, they were informed (62%)

Children's testimonies in relation to this question underline two things: (1) what they claim to have seen, and (2) what they claim to have heard.

n “What we have seen with our own eyes”

Benin: We saw billboards which were showcasing sensitization activities such as the organization of football tournaments in schools and youths centres; the organization of a communal conference related to behaviors at risk and condom distribution. Screening sessions, free distribution of condoms and tee-shirts were all used to sensitize. We wat- ched the "Amour et Vie" television show which is a sensitization program related to the use of blades and other sharp objects; advice on faithfulness, taking a screening test before choosing a partner… etc.

All WCYs know what a condom is, and even other methods of contraception.

Burkina Faso: Children and youths have become aware of methods of contraception because of the activities they carry out on the ground, information and television spots. For example, a sensitization on hygiene (television, radio, etc). People have access to clean water in their houses, and thanks to public fountains, access to health facilities (latrines, donation of paving stones, etc).

We have registered funding for prenatal care, free medical care for pupils and students, and some advanced vaccination strategies. Free screening, free ARV, the celebration of World AIDS Day.

The following initiatives have been undertaken: donation of blood, of nutritional food to children (calcium and iron, enriched porridge), computer equipment and vehicles. Institutional support was provided in terms of staff recruitment for territorial authori- ties.

Burundi: Different channels were used to inform the populations in general, particular- ly children and youths. Administrative meetings, the media (television, etc), posters, pla- cards had also been used.

Many people have heard about the projects when they were being implemented. We saw worksite supervisors looking for quarries, or bulldozers setting plots.

We also saw people moving towards communal offices or towards company offices to get registered in order to get hired.

Cameroon: We know the name and at least one activity of the project and the origin of funds. To support their claim, they named some activities related to the project, such as PACA, PNDP and Lom Pangar, which seem to be the best known ones. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 9 -

n What we did hear on our ownBénin :

Benin - There are monthly sensitization and condoms distribution campaigns, in some loca- lities, delegates (traditional leaders) resorted to "gongonneurs" (people who spread the word around) to inform people about the initiative. - Sensitizations were organized on screening, on how to avoid AIDS and trainings on how to behave well. - Radio programs were listened to.

Burkina Faso - Capacity building for workers and sensitization by word of mouth were organized. There were also the following: projects or programs against female genital mutila- tion, fighting STD/AIDS, and the sale of medicines on the street.

Burundi: Combination of communication strategies like communiqués on the radio, in churches, made it possible to get broad communication.

But more than 77% declare to have learnt about the existence of the works while they were being implemented, and more than 33% have heard about them informally. Children claim that they do not have the opportunity to express themselves before and during the implementation of the activities.

NB: It must be noted that, in Cameroon, children themselves had defined what they call "knowledge" using 3 criteria: to know the name of the project, to be able to name at least one activity of the project and to know that the project is funded by the World Bank.

1.2. “Did children have any contact with the projects?” a) Those who said no (6%)

Benin: None of the participants in the consultation took that position.

Burundi: Children knew that they were not at the consultation on an individual basis, the children who did not have a direct contact with the project declared that some children who belonged to their grassroots group were aware of the project.

Cameroon: Children did not have access to the project's activities. For example, in regards to the PACA project, children said that they did not have access to the plantations.

Cote d'Ivoire: "No, because I have not seen the project". - 10 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

Those who do not have the information - In Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso, most of the respondents declared that they were not aware of the existence of those projects on which they expressed them- selves. Information is in the hands of "people" who do not want to share, or share it partially (incomplete, distorted, etc), either there are some interests at stakes, or simply because they did not understand well. - It has been noticed sometimes that the fact that people (children and youths) are not interested in the projects; therefore they do not try to understand what the sta- kes are; because they do not feel concerned by the project. - The lack of modern channels to disseminate the information to some localities by (radio, television) in the project area; information dissemination is not always adapted to channels that exist in the area. b) Those who said "a little, a little" (11%) Burundi: Construction and sanitation projects did not involve all children. Some child- ren did benefit directly from the projects while they were the ones that needed them the most. For example, cows were given to families with financial means to take care of them, while the children who are suffering from malnutrition belong to poor families. Cameroon: The implementation area of the project does not make contact easy with the children and youths. There is the case of the PAISS project which mostly deals with dis- trict hospitals. c) Those who said yes (83%) Burundi: Broad communication on projects, people's participation in community works, financial contributions, etc. In regards to cow distribution, all family members had to mobilize to meet all the requi- rements in order to be selected as a beneficiary. Children were employed in those projects; schools and health centres are closer to the populations and children. Cameroon: Children and youths participated in the following activities: the grass clea- ring, carrying stones, sowing, weeding, etc. Cote d'Ivoire: During the construction of the Riviera II Bridge, there were girls who sold their goods on the site, (water, and fruit); some children were hired as workers in restaurants that were located in the vicinity of the site. Sometimes, children aged 16 to 17 would work on the site as assistant masons in building schools and other infrastruc- tures. In Korhogho, parents would send their children to pick up gravel and tar residues on road construction sites. Children were often present on the sites out of curiosity, to look at the machines and the works under progress, etc. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 11 -

Those who are informed - Because they participated in some project activities and have been beneficiaries (they received something from the project). They had seen things on television, on the worksite in their locality, on posters, etc... - We can talk about those who relied on the word to mouth (neighbors, people who spread the news, etc), radios, events had also played key roles. - When we talk about what has been experienced, we refer to those who were affected (for example, they were displaced …) 2- Project's advantages and threats

Sketch by Cameroon's WCYs during the workshop The two following questions were asked to assess the advantages and threats of the pro- ject for children. 1. Do projects have some advantages or threats for children? 2. Did the project take measures to protect children against such threats? What are those measures? 2.1. "Do project have some advantages or threats for children?" a) Those who said no (11%) Côte d'Ivoire : Road construction is good for the children because it reduces the dust raised by cars, but it can result in accidents because drivers will not respect the speed limit; -In Abidjan, the project about tarring roads sometimes causes accidents; - 12 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

-In regards to the distribution of electricity in Adjouffou (Abidjan-Port-Bouet), some works were conducted behind schools, and children could not concentrate on their lessons; - In Niambly (Duekoue) the school was built along the road, on the main highway of the locality, at the end of the village and it represents quite a threat for children who go to school.

Those who talk about "threats" question the use of profits by the populations; chil- dren themselves (money). They mentioned also the location of the projects, thus questioning it because it often increases the threats to the children; the dangers of the location to the products brought by the project, and all other nuisances such as quarrels, dust, bad smells, etc. Afterwards, they talked about workers who also represent a danger for the children in terms of influence through their behavior, working conditions, job loss, etc. b) Those who say "a little, a little" (16%)

Burundi: The projects helped improve the conditions of working children but, at the same time, some of their rights were violated during the implementation of those pro- jects, such as the right to rest and the right to healthcare.

NB: Those who chose this position are content with the advantages of these projects. But they believe that the projects by themselves have not respected the rights of chil- dren during their implementation. c) Those who said yes (advantages) (73%)

Benin: The plea made is based on the added value of those projects on public health by encouraging the adoption of preventive behavior and attitudes, among other things. Burkina Faso: It has been written in the report that: "In terms of access to water, it has been noted that clean water is accessible in the households. That helps to withdraw children from chores that are linked to fetching water: contai- ners weight, wounds, and long waiting hours. Providing the service is not a regular one and there are often water shortages that put back children in difficult situations mentioned earlier. " Burundi: Children claimed that the projects had more advantages and contributed to the respect of children's rights, namely, the rights of children in general, and the rights of working children in particular. If the number of seats for children at school had increased, working conditions would be better (number of pupils per classroom and seat). Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 13 -

Situation experienced by a female participant in the Burkina Faso workshop During a water shortage, they were sent, her and her little sister, respectively 13 and 11 years old, to fetch water from the public fountain with a barrel. On their way home, one wheel of the barrel got stuck in a hole and they lost their balan- ce. The 11-year girl was ejected and had her arm fractured. The elder sister fell on the ground and was wounded. Source: National report from Burkina Faso

Cameroon: Example: the PACA project; thanks to the money parents earn by breeding pigs, they are able to pay fees and for school supplies of their children. As part of the PDUE project, street lighting has improved security at night and helps reduce risks of attack and thefts. As part of the Lom Pangor project, children had schools health centres built for them, while villagers receive food aid for a period of 6 years, something that helps reduce mal- nutrition. 2.2. Did the projects take measures to protect children against such threats? What are those measures? a) Those who said no (42%) Benin: there are no protective measures, because when projects end, people do not care about the objects they leave behind. Burundi: the implementation of projects did not provide for protective measures for children and that is materialized by the lack of road signs in some areas in which chil- dren gather to play ; the lack of awareness about the children's rights by people who have been hired in various projects; etc. Cameroon: as part of the PACA project, no measure has been taken against bad smells originating from pigpens and hen houses. Also, no measure is taken for appropriate amount of fertilizers for plants. Some children ate mangoes produced by plantations and fell ill. Furthermore, children who dug out the manure had no protective equipment, and some of them would get wounded.

Children would like to see that precautions are taken: - Precautions linked to the use of materials and products, and to the application of dangerous products - Protection of children who work with the people who are in partnership with the project (families, workshops owners) - Children fall ill after a contact with the project's products (smells, dust) - Working conditions are too bad; heat problems, no health care in case of illness, lay-offs; etc. - 14 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank b) Those who said "a little, a little" (17%)

Burundi: During the implementation of the projects, some measures were taken in order to protect children; some schools were fenced to protect children. But the measures were not enough to minimize the threats. For example, the lack of road signs, speed bumps, thus resulting in accidents; the fact of not providing for fences for schools built close to roads, etc.

Cameroon: Little knowledge about project activities

NB: Measures are recognized but they have not been of much use, or did not work well. c) Those who said yes (41%)

Burundi: At the beginning, there was no road sign and when they were created they hel- ped increase children's protection, and the facilities that were being built were also pro- tected (construction of fences, setting up of a security system, etc). Projects that are financed by the World Bank play a major role in regards to the improvement of the living conditions of the populations and the protection of children's rights. There must be a strong sensitization of the population in all phases of the project, and some provisions should be made that can help children express themselves. Cameroon: After the training session on agriculture which was provided by the PACA project, boots and scarves were distributed to the participants. The PAISS project also took some child protection measures against certain diseases through vaccination. The Lom Pangar project gives free medicines to sick people who work for the project. The creation of a community forest has also helped protect children against hunger, becau- se it allows hunting and exploiting wood for domestic use. The project PDUE has done the same by digging wells, drilling and electrification. Cote d'Ivoire: Some measures have been taken to protect children against the following potential threats: -A protective barrier has been put around the Williams-ville-Adjame interchange to limit children's access to it, - Signs were produced during the constructions, which forbid children accessing the site, - Watchmen were in charge of the security of the site.

Some precautions have been taken in regards to health, such as a vaccination campaign, supply of clean water, and distribution of condoms. To keep children away or limit their access to the site, people are hired to provide security and supervision services; trainings and distribution of products; intensive information activities, sensitization, road signs and roadblock. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 15 - 3- Child labor

In terms of child labor, the three (3) questions mentioned below were asked of the participants who attended the national consultations.

1) Do the children who were wor- king before the creation of the pro- jects, have more problems carrying out their activities, because of this project? 2) Do the children who have been able to find work because of the project make it? 3) Do these projects have other impacts on your work?

3.1. "Do the children who were working before the creation of the projects, have more pro- blems carrying out their acti- vities, because of the project?" a) Those who said no (25%)

Burundi: These projects help children have more customers because project workers had to go around all day, or even during longer period of time, which resulted in an increase in food consumption and services. Children's income from the sale of peanuts, eggs, sugar canes, etc has increased as well.

Cameroon: The PACA project provided some training to children to help them improve their results, and the project has also provided some equipment to existing village asso- ciations. The construction of wells by the UNDP helped reduce the long distances children used to walk to fetch water. UNDP has also enabled working children and youths (WCY) to show more solidarity and to get more involved by setting up management committees for the monitoring of project activities. The PDUE project facilitated the electrification of some main roads and enabled some WCYs to start some small businesses.

Cote d'Ivoire: "The projects did not have any impact on the children. " - 16 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

Root causes of problems - Competition is stiffer for people involved in small trades (more vendors, many women sell foods, sand and gravel, collectors, etc.

- Working children are compelled to work harder and for a longer time to earn their position; their vulnerability increases because they are compelled to work during certain hours, and to go to places where risks of accidents, rapes, attacks, swindling, unpaid loans, prevail …etc.

- Something which is not often said is the fact that, the more children work, the more their chances of leaving school increases, and they cannot but work to pay for their studies.

- Losing their job or income generating activity encourages them to become mobile (losing hope, hindered by a lack of means and ability .etc.).

- Risks of child abuse and exploitation are even greater; first, for children who work as workers; second for children who are employed by their bosses in diffe- rent projects; in restaurants, as water vendors, .etc.

- This keeps them hoping to get a job; but later, they are sacked because they can- not anymore; or because they do not know what to do, or because they get ill,

- It is also noted that, for children, losing the spot where they exercise their trade, their leisure, when we bear in mind the fact that it is rather children who used to occupy the site on which projects were built, and who are often asked to leave the place. b) Those who said "a little, a little" (13%)

Burundi: Some children who used to sell were compelled to migrate towards other areas because other people were able to install stands and had enough capital.

The children did not have the means to compete against them.

They have recognized that some children were able to adjust because some built kiosks of their own, increase their capital in order to be competitive.

Cameroon: ""I do not have enough clues to take a position. ".

Côte d'Ivoire: "The projects enabled children to meet their own needs, but some child- ren lost their job ". Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 17 - c) Those who said yes (62%)

Burundi - The new projects created a lot of problems for the children who were working because there was an important influx of children looking for employment and some had lost their job while some employees of other projects would come with children who would help them. - Work that used to be done by children became a source of income for adults. - Some children who had initiated their own projects were compelled to give up and became other people's employees. - Some workers had contracted debts, during the course of their work, to child ven- dors and did not pay them back, or had changed working places without paying them back.

Cameroon: - Before the launching of the PACA project at Mile 8 in Bamenda, several children and youths used to carry out income generating activities. Some of them gave up their activities to get recruited by the project. Later, they were sacked and compelled to start from scratch. - The same thing occurred at the PDUE project where some children were used as workers and were not paid regularly. Some of them were even accused of theft and had their wages suspended despite the fact that their guilt was not proven. - As part of the Pangar project, children and young hunters are faced with many dif- ficulties to survive because the community forest is not fully operational yet. People depend only on the project for food.

Côte d'Ivoire: The projects made it harder for the children who were already carrying out their own activities to continue to do the same. Below are some examples: - In San Pedro, there were some young shoemakers and vendors whom were compel- led to leave the area ; - In regards to the restoration of the Abobo road, vendors were told to vacate the area so that the road could be broadened ; - In Touba, before the school was built, there used to be children who would sell goods but they were told to leave ; - In Korhogo, vendors were asked to leave, as well as inhabitants, for the broade- ning of the road and gutters - In Katiola, young stall vendors and shoe-shine boys were told to leave for the res- toration of the Sub-Prefecture - 18 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

What the project brings: - Alleviation of people's living conditions; access to health care, water, electricity; easiness to move around, and proximity of schools, etc. ; - Training, experience for children and youths ; - Resources for those who were able to take advantage of the opportunity and increase their income

3.2. "Do the children who have been able to find work because of the project make it?" a) Those who said no (24%)

Benin: - WCYs are told to leave when they fall ill, - Project activities are based on sensitization and not on providing work, - Children do not have the ability and the required age to sensitize others.

Burundi: - They are not well paid, - They work a lot; they are not entitled to rest and are less well paid; "they work like adults but are paid like kids", - The right to rest and to care was not guaranteed. Children who fell ill were mere- ly told to go away and the little money made was used for treatment. Thus, the child becomes a burden for the family.

Cameroon: Children who were able to find work thanks to the projects do not always make it. The wage that is paid to workers by the Lom Pangar project is computed on a 16-month basis, which is roughly F CFA 44,700 a month; the daily food expenses which amount to F CFA 600 do not allow workers to feed themselves adequately and make some savings..

The children who find work with projects cannot meet their own needs, or bare- ly, they work a lot and earn a little, compared with the expenses they incur on the worksites, namely food, health care, …etc.

It can be noted that inequalities in regards to wages between children and adults exist although they perform the same job in the same difficult living conditions.

Wages are paid late or not paid at all, or are cut in half. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 19 - b) Those who said "a little, a little " (18%)

Burundi: Some children found work while others saw their commercial activities pro- sper but many children fell ill and were told to leave or compelled to leave their job because they were doing a job they were not fit for. c) Those who say yes (58%)

Benin: Those in this category think that: - Children or youths might get sacked if they fell ill - Even if the projects provided employment to children and youths, it is nevertheless difficult to find a job with a project - Beggars and cart pushers are still around on market places - Project activities are more focused on sensitization (condoms use and screening) instead of allowing children and youths to have jobs

Burundi: - Work helped children improve their living conditions, - Some children had some money they used to start their own small project,

Cameroon: Overall, working children and youths in the projects have done better than before. For example, the PACA project where training sessions provided to youths hel- ped set up projects that received some funding. - WCYs of the Sa'a locality for example received plants that came from the seed farm of nko'o-evon. - WCYS Okola, (Ebougsi) attended a training session on pig breeding. The training session enabled them to send to school some of their children. - In Akonolinga, they participated in a training session about rice growing.

Cote d'Ivoire: The various projects provided employment for children, which enabled them to improve their living conditions. - Nowadays, children who work as stall vendors, shoe-shine boys, vendors, "Djôsseure de Nama" (parking lot managers) depend on themselves - Many children succeed in their activities thanks to the restoration works that help develop an area for the launching of connected activities for children and youths. - With the construction and development of certain areas, some children and youths started "mobile phone" centres and sold calling cards. - In Abidjan, the supply of electricity enabled children to set up their own beauty salons because they could have access to electricity - 20 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

Children who make it the most: Are those who found work despite the project (their own IGA) even if the pro- ject played a key role in their success. This is the main difference between the children who make it most and those who fail. It can be said that many of them found some work but all of them did not make it. 3.3 Do these projects have any other (positive) impacts on your work? a) Those who said no (72%) Burundi: The projects did not have any other impacts, because the children who were faced with problems due to the arrival of the projects were those who could not adjust. Training sessions had to be organized to build their capacities to help them better adjust. - Some children and parents working for the projects took to drinking alcohol, - Cases of polygamy were noticed, - Children found it hard to manage the money they earned working for the projects, and started to womanize and drink alcohol. Cameroon: - PACA: In Akonolinga, in the locality of Etol, " a child got bitten by a snake during the clearing of a maize farm ". - The use of chemical products (insecticides and pesticides) exposes children and youths to diseases. - In Ndob, chicks are warmed with fire, thus increasing the risk of fires. - Children have noticed that, just as with UNDP, PDUE or PACA, WCYs carry heavy loads such as cement bags, stones, sand in the locality of Ekougou, Endom and Yaoundé 7.

It has been noted that the projects injected a lot of money that has not always done much good to children for various reasons:

The risk or violation of children's rights within families has increased. The situation of children within their families is often neglected or degraded despite the fact that parents have increased their income. In fact, income increases often come with pro- blems within families, like alcohol, or getting a second wife, which obviously com- pels children to have a stepmother, etc. Children themselves indulged in situations or risky behaviors (exposing themselves to diseases, having unsafe sexual practices like STD/AIDS, using drug, etc.). Earning more money because of the projects has empowered children but they lack the support necessary to manage that money in future projects. We can also talk about going to new places or making friends which are not always educationally beneficial (new ideas, new behaviors, etc.) and they influence children on the spot, especially girls who get pregnant. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 21 - b) Those who said "a little, a little "" (13%)

Burundi: Projects have been beneficial to children's work, but children's rights have been neglected, ignored or violated. c) Those who said yes (15%)

Burundi: Improvement of living conditions

Côte d'Ivoire: The projects that were achieved had other impacts on the lives and work of children involved in activities. - In Korhogo, when there was not any electricity, vendors and craftsmen had to go home early but, thanks to this project, youths and children can stay longer to mana- ge their businesses ; - Before, there used to be a lot of attacks because of the darkness and children were compelled to return home early to avoid any risk of attack; - Thanks to the reintegration project, children and youths learnt how to open and manage an account ; - In Korhogo, five AMWCY members benefited from the PAPC project ; - As far as Abidjan is concerned, the construction of the interchange and its electri- fication helped vendors not to go out at night to sell their goods, and that makes it easy to move around and reduces the risks of attack and accidents.

NB: Children and youths also recall the fact that some of the positive impacts of the projects had already been mentioned in preceding questions. Therefore, they only identified other negative impacts. That is why they all chose position 1.

Participants in the natio- nal dialogue of the WCY from Burundi - 22 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank 4- Education

In regards to the issue of education, the following four (4) questions were asked of the participants who attended the national consultations:

1) Do projects prevent children from going to school or are they the cause of child- ren giving up school? 2) Do projects disturb children when they are busy learning in a classroom? 3) Do projects help integrate children into school? 4) Have projects taken some measures to help children learn well at school?

4.1 "Do projects prevent children from going to school or are they the cause of children giving up school?" a) Those who said no (58%)

Benin: Those in this category think that thanks to the advice they are given about AIDS, children give more importance to their studies. They also think that sensitization on STD/AIDS help maintain children and youths at school. It shows that planning AIDS- related activities do not prevent children and youths from going to school. They also claim that the respect of people's right to education does not entitle projects to take chil- dren and youths away from school. They also insist on the fact that the project contribu- tes to further strengthening children as well as helps them adopt good practices so that they can better concentrate on their studies. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 23 -

Burkina Faso: Those in this category think that financing food processing activities (namely cashew nuts) would have resulted in changing the type of education for girls. Some children find work opportunities in food processing industries as pickers, sorters and others. In such a case, they prefer changing the time to go to school. They can either suspend going to school for some time, or go to evening classes to free their days for a job that earns them a salary or for a well-paying job. Cameroon: Those in this category think that, by supporting the construction of local schools, the UNDP and Lom Pangar projects allowed children to go to school. The quo- ted example refers to the locality of Ekougou in Akonolinga. In Okola, children and youths testified that they were able to finance their studies thanks to the money they gai- ned working for the PACA project. Likewise, parents who had benefitted from the pro- ject claimed that they were able to enroll their children thanks to this project. Côte d'Ivoire: Those in this category claim that projects have neither prevented nor led children to giving up school. They claim that: World Bank projects do not prevent children from going to school, but that the restora- tion of schools is done during holidays and vacations. Children who stop going to school do not do it because of the project but rather because of poverty. In localities where the World Bank financed the construction of roads and the restoration of schools, children can better avail themselves of their right to education. b) Those who said "a little, a little” (24%) Benin: The claims made are as follows: Encouragement to abstain from going to school because of money, and yet there are some who cling to their job. Working for the project can lead one to give up going to school. Knowing one's serological status can lead to giving up going to school. Life is a matter of choice. Burkina Faso: The report did not mention explicitly the claims of those who support this position. Burundi: Some children were influenced by their peers who had a job and so left school hoping that they would earn money. Girls gave up going to school to get married or because they were pregnant, etc. The other claim is that some children had been preven- ted from going to school because their mothers had a job and needed someone who could babysit for them or perform other domestic activities, etc. But they all claim that the projects did allow children to continue their studies properly. Cameroon: The report states that no claim has been made. c) Those who said yes (19%) Benin: They think that, because of the money they can earn for working for the project, they may end up giving up school. They also think that condom distribution led to sexual vagrancy and children giving up school. Burundi: Children, mostly girls, had been forced to give up school, because of the fact that children are the ones who do the domestic work that used to be done by their parents, something that prevents children from concentrating on their studies, etc - 24 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

Côte d'Ivoire: Either some children left school or the implementation of various projects prevented children from going to school. The following reasons were mentioned: some children did not go to school because they were contracted to work as masons on work- sites. Sometimes, other children hide the fact that they are pupils, so that they could work on worksites, because people refuse to hire pupils. Cameroon: Regarding the PACA project, children belonging to groups (GIC, ASSOCIA- TION) stopped going to school due to the fact that they found a new job. On parents' instigation, some children gave up their studies to devote themselves to project activi- ties. 4.2 "Do projects disturb children when they are busy learning in a classroom?" a) Those who said no (75%) Burundi: Carrying out the works in their localities did disturb children. Also, they claim that the project did not prevent children from going to school; on the contrary, those in this category claimed that some parents had the means of sending their children to school. Children were able to go to school, to study in beautiful classrooms and to have something to eat before going to school, etc, thanks to a good road layout. Côte d'Ivoire: Project implementation did not disturb children when they were busy learning in their classrooms. They made the following comments: in regards to the res- toration of the high school buildings and Katiola College, workers organized themsel- ves so that they could only work on weekends. Projects are implemented, most of the time, during the holidays and at the beginning of the school year. Works are done at night, thus they do not disturb children who are busy learning in their classrooms. b) Those who said yes (15%) Burundi: Except for a short period, most activities took place away from schools. Workers paid special attention to the environment, although at the end of the activities, they did not leave some areas the way they found them by doing some restoration work. c) Ceux qui ont répondu oui (15%) Cameroon: The construction of classrooms by UNDP while children were in their class- rooms made also some noise and prevented children from carefully following the les- sons. Curious children were attracted by the road works. Planning the opening hours of the wells did not take into account school hours. Therefore, some children came to school late because first, they had to fetch water. Côte d'Ivoire: in Daloa, during the restoration of Antoine Gauze High School, the AGE- ROUTE Company machines made some noise. In Touba, the restoration of a building and the implementation of some projects disturbed children who were busy learning in their classrooms, because of the noise made by the machines, and also by the noise made when a roof was being put up. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 25 - 4.3 "Do projects help integrate children into school?" a) Those who say no (19%) Burundi: As far as we are concerned, the situation has not changed.

Cameroon: None of the participants chose the "no" position. They claimed that they have every reason to choose the opposite position; that is to say the "yes" position. b) Those who said " a little, a little (7%)

Burundi: Parents working for the projects could afford to send their children to school and did so; but they also claimed that some children gave up going to school in order to look for work. Some children used to play truant in order to be able to watch the activi- ties taking place on the worksite (bulldozer, cars, etc.). c) Those who said yes (74%) Burundi: - Children from poor families were not sent to school, while working parents could send their children to school because they had the means to meet their children's needs. - Some children had a job, which allowed them to get the means to go back to school as well as meet their own needs.

Cameroon: The construction of classrooms by the UNDP in Ekougou did not only help reduce the distance for children to walk to school, but it encouraged others to enroll. Thanks to their employment and the income generated by the PACA project in Ekouda, for example, some children and youths were able to make some money and enroll at school.

Côte d'Ivoire: The claims are as follows: - The PEJEDEC project in Ferké allowed the integration of some youths, facilitated the education of children thanks to the income generated by parents and youths, beneficiaries of the project; - The construction and school restoration project allowed access to education ; - School construction reduced the number of pupils in overcrowded classrooms ; - Parents who worked for construction and restoration projects were able to send their children to schools; - The interchange of Abobo Akeikoi as well as tarred roads make it easy to go to and from school - The roads allow children to go to school more easily - The construction of schools in some localities made it possible for all children to go to school more easily, contrary to what it used to be before, when they had to walk more than 3 to 4, and even, 5 miles to reach schools located in the village or in neighborhoods. - 26 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank 4.4 "Have projects taken some measures to help children learn well at school?" a) Those who said no (25%) Benin: All pupils do not have the same abilities To construct does not mean that WCYs have everything at their disposal. Burundi: Nothing has changed because of the projects. b) Those who said "a little, a little" (17%) Benin: Not sufficient, because there are not enough classrooms. They need also quali- fied teachers, teaching and learning materials, plus good working conditions (play- grounds and leisure time) Burundi: Participants indicated that there are not enough road signs, which causes accidents. Cameroon: Those in this category claim they cannot say anything, because they do not understand well this aspect of the projects. Côte d'Ivoire: There was some doubt in regards to the measures which were taken by various projects to ensure better learning conditions for pupils. They say: "We are not informed about measures taken". c) Those who said yes (57%) Benin: Allows knowledge acquisition. Having already some classrooms is a good start; the rest will come later. Burundi: - Installing road signs and speed bumps in areas that are used a lot by children., - Construction of fences in schools close to roads. Cameroon: The fact that UNDP financed latrines for schools in Zamakoue provides bet- ter sanitary conditions for children and youths. It is the same as far as the construction of tube wells is concerned. In Nkolmesseng (Yaoundé), PDUE financed the electrifica- tion of the neighborhood, thus allowing children to study at night. Giving out school supplies and scholarships by the Lom Pangar project rekindled the hope of children and encouraged parents to register their children. The project had also financed the cons- truction of latrines in primary schools. Côte d'Ivoire: Measures were taken so that children could learn well at school. - After the construction of schools, COGES (Management Council for Schools, hea- ded by pupils' parents) is responsible for the management of school facilities (and this measure was taken to enable children to learn well) ; - The restoration of roads allows children to arrive at school in time by using taxis that did not pass near the school before, due to the poor condition of the road. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 27 - 5- Health

In regards to the issue of health, the following three (3) questions were asked of the participants who atten- ded the national consultations:

1) Do project make children ill? 2) Do children have less access to health care because of the project? 3) Do projects enable children to get better care?

5.1 5.1 "Do project make children ill?" a) Those who said no (72%)

Benin: Those in this category think that measures are taken so that children and youths are better pro- tected, particularly in terms of sup- port provided to them when they are ill. They also believe that sensitization and condom distribution reduce AIDS, through the adoption of good practices, in particular.

Burundi: Those in this category think that, on the contrary the projects have improved children's health thanks to the construction of health centres, to cows and seeds distri- bution, which helped increase production.

Cameroon: Those in this category think that the PAISS project organized vaccination campaigns for the schools in Bamenda, which suggest that this project rather helps chil- dren to fight diseases.

Côte d'Ivoire: Those in this category think that the projects do not affect children's health. They made the following claims: - The roads and infrastructure contributed to the improvement of children's health, because roads facilitate children transportation towards hospitals in case of illness, - These projects did not have any negative effects on children's health. In Daloa, there was a lot of dust in town, because the road was not tarred; therefore, the cons- truction of roads reduced children's risks of falling ill. - 28 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank b) Those who said " a little, a little (17%)

Benin - Poor products management, - During sensitization, WC can be exposed to bad weather but some of them are PEC.

Burundi: On the one hand, the projects contributed to the improvement of children's health, but on the other hand, some children fell ill during the works because of exhaus- tion.

Cameroon: The death of a young worker during the construction of the dam was not sol- ved yet.

Côte d'Ivoire: The works are done for our good, but in Korhogo the fact that projects last a long time exposes children to diseases with the dust and the materials left out in the open. c) Those who said yes (11%)

Benin: Children and youths can fall ill if they do not use properly free condoms and because of contaminated/soiled objects.

Burkina Faso: For some children and youths, the fight against VHI/AIDS encourages sexual activities. This trivialization of sexuality could speed up sexual activities among teenagers and youths. This causes an exposition to risks of infection, if children do not adopt condoms.

Burundi: During the road layout, children claimed that flu cases increased.

Cameroon: In Mfou, for example, the water from the wells built by UNDP is yellowish and was not tested before consumption. Therefore, one of its consequences is that it cau- ses stomachache among children. Still, in the same locality of Mfou, several children complained that their stomach ached when they ate some fresh food from the plantations of the PACA project. This could be imputed to the fertilizers used when farming. In Sa'a, the use of insecticides and pesticides caused lung infections in children, mostly those who were working on the plantations without using any safety equipment (scarf, gloves.etc.) The children also think that the smelly pig farm of Ndamekong in Bamenda could make children ill.

Côte d'Ivoire: During the construction of roads, children who lived nearby often fell ill because of the dust. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 29 - 5.2 "Do children have less access to health care because of the project?" a) a) Those who said no (37%) Burkina Faso: The following story has been told: A story that happened during the workshop: One of the participants had an asthma attack during our workshop. When the organizers were informed about it, they took her to the nearest hospital. They were confronted with an unexpected situation upon their arrival. The nurses had just finished their shift and were about to leave. One of the nurses asked them to wait for the team that was going to replace them. Worried, they learnt that the team was late because it finished its shift late and that is why it was not there yet. Source : Burkina Faso Report

Burundi: The road layout facilitated the access to health centres since ambulances can intervene fast to bring help. They also claim that the construction of health centres hel- ped children have access to healthcare and parents who work can afford to have their children treated. Côte d'Ivoire: the implementation of various projects improved children's access to health care. Below are the justifications: - World Bank projects do not prevent children getting healthcare because the resto- ration of hospitals helps children have better access to health centres ; - In San Pedro, the construction of a hospital allows children to receive care close to their homes, without walking long distances ; - In Daloa, the projects make it possible for children to get good healthcare through a donation of medicines and medical equipment, like those given in the delivery room, and which makes it possible to provide instant care to children ; - Roads facilitate access to hospitals in areas where it used to be difficult to transport someone in emergency from home to hospital. b) Those who said "a little, a little" (19%) Burkina Faso: Efforts were made to provide healthcare to newly-born, children, pupils, students and mothers. However, providing healthcare service still remains problematic. As far as they are concerned, they claim that there is a gap in the way they function, because one may find someone who is supposed to assist a nurse helping deliver babies, while relatives of the pregnant woman will perform the role of an assistant nurse by cleaning the delivery table. Cameroon: Opinions are known to differ here. Some of those who fall into this catego- ry claim that the Lom Pangar project for example built a health center, but that the health center did not have qualified staff; before this project, people used to get health- care from a religious center whose staff, according to them, was better qualified and competent. However, the PAISS project did help improve people's living conditions. - 30 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank c) Those who said yes (44%) Burundi: Children who work for projects could not afford to get treated on their own.

Cameroon: Our choice is backed by the fact that there have been vaccination cam- paigns which were initiated by the PAISS project in Bamenda and the construction of health care facilities and their equipment by the Lom Pangar project.

5.3 "Do projects enable children to get better care?" a) Those who said no (9%) Benin - Access to healthcare is not connected to the project, - No healthcare without financial means. Burkina Faso - Bad behavior persists because " when you go to CSPS, there are some wicked nurses " - Personnel of health centres are poorly trained (wrong medical prescription, wrong diagnosis) - Gap in training/confusing of tasks " someone who was taking a patient to the health center was compelled to clean the delivery table while in fact the cleaning should have been done by the assistant nurse" Burundi: The health center that was built could not accommodate many people and patients were compelled to get healthcare far from homes. Cameroon: The construction of health centres does not necessarily mean that healthca- re has improved. In fact, as long as enough qualified personnel are not deployed to those health centres, there will not be the anticipated change. The project does not train health care personnel; yet, it is a government project and as such it should be able to do some advocacy in order to have the required personnel posted to those health centres. b) Those who said "a little, a little " (22%) Benin: Parents take responsibility for the care of the children and youths, - Children and youths are not involved but the advice on good practices was fully applied.

Burundi - Some parents who work in the projects were able to have their children treated, - Children who work have been able to take care of themselves, - Some children fell ill and the money they earned working in the project did not allow them to get healthcare. Cameroon: It is hard to say if, yes or no, projects have really contributed to children being treated better, despite the fact that there are some tangible achievements. A sur- vey must be conducted with health center personnel and children Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 31 - c) Those who said yes (64%)

Benin - Monitoring of advice on at risk behaviors, - Importance and accessibility of screening, namely access to health care, - Sensitization, vaccination, hygiene, screening, accessible to children and youths, - Access to condoms, - Advices from the television show "Amour et vie", plus condoms, which facilitates access to healthcare.

Burkina Faso - The vaccines are free (vaccination campaigns are organized) - Fight against medicines sold on the street "the police arrest people who sell medi- cines on the street " - Free healthcare (screening and ARV are for free) - Treated mosquito nets are distributed and vaccinations allow children to be protec- ted.

Burundi - Parents who had some contract in the projects were entitled to healthcare, so was their legal claimant (children, wife or husband). - Parents had the means to have their children treated. - The children who work had more possibilities to get treated.

Cameroon: After the training sessions provided as part of the PAISS project, healthca- re provided to children and youths has been improved. Healthcare centres are funded based on the quality of care they provide. Therefore, consultation methods have been improved in order to get some funding. According to children and youths, thanks to the Lom Pangar project, a health center was built; several medical beds were given to the hospital of Nden Nden, as well as medici- nes. Children claim that, thanks to the project, young pregnant girls are better treated.

Côte d'Ivoire: The projects make it easier to provide better healthcare for children. In Katiola the restoration of the hospital made it possible to provide care to children who used to be freely treated of free first aid care : - With the restoration of the roads, sick children living in localities and neighboring villages can make it to town to get treated - Restoration allows children to be taken care of well in the localities with the crea- tion of other services in the hospitals, such as surgery and cardiology; children can get better healthcare without having to walk many kilometers or to go to the capital city. - 32 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank 6- Blossoming out and greater well-being

As far as blossoming out and well-being are concerned, the following two (2) questions were asked of the participants who attended the national consultations: 1) Do projects prevent children from enjoying themselves? 2) Do projects make children happier? 6.1 "Do projects prevent children from enjoying themselves?" a) Those who said no (60%)

Benin: First, one must be in good health in order to enjoy oneself. Also, they think that sensitization sessions were occasions for people to mingle. They also claim that even measures that were taken to manage well sharp objects contributed to their develop- ment. The construction of schools had a positive impact on children's well-being, becau- se in some schools, playgrounds were created. The road layout, mostly in towns, enabled children to play as often as they want and to have areas where they can play.

Cameroon: In Mbalmayo, the construction of the road reduced the surface area of the football stadium (Saint Joseph). On the same stadium, a water fountain was built. The participants claimed that the pigsty built in Ndamekong in the North-West produced smells that are bad for children's health, thus compelling children to abandon their houses to go and play somewhere else. At Ndop, in the North-West, a farm was built on an area where children used to play. At Sa'a (Nkolelang), a nursery was built on the playground. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 33 -

Côte d'Ivoire: The projects did not affect the spirits and environment of children: - Because projects help children to get better themselves, and thus allow them to play, for to be able to play one must be in good health; - With certain projects, children received some donations, such as kindergartens, which allows children to engage in play ; - Reorganizing schools made it possible to enlarge schools and to build playgrounds to allow children to play inside schools, instead of near the roads, which represents a threat to children's life, - In Duekoué, the construction of a youth center helped create a playground for the children and youths who had experienced some trauma during the post election crisis. b) Those who said "a little, a little" (16%) Burundi: Areas that are good for children's games were created, but children had some problems playing, mostly when the works were in progress.

The time to play was restricted by the parents, for children had to watch after the cows and goats;

Cameroon: Children could not say why they chose this position. c) Those who said yes (24%)

Bénin: - Less sexual vagrancy thanks to advice provided; - Project is not leisure-based ;

Burundi: During the works, some playgrounds were closed for some time, so that work could proceed normally. Some families had their land taken away from them, and chil- dren were compelled to leave behind their friends;

Côte d'Ivoire - At Williamsville, the sites that were used as playgrounds were occupied by the pro- jects; which does not allow children to play football and to enjoy themselves; - Some bad roads were no longer used by cars; therefore, they were used as play- grounds by children. With the restoration of the roads, children lost their play- grounds, owing to the fact that there is no space in the neighborhood to play.

6.2 "Do projects make children happier?" a) Those who said no (28%) Burundi: Employment had to be provided to parents who were in dire poverty, in order to improve the living conditions of their children. Cameroon: Some of the projects made children happy while other reduced playgrounds. - 34 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank b) Those who said "a little, a little" (12%)

Burundi: The rights of the children involved in the works were not respected. c) Those who said yes (61%)

Burundi: Children are happy because with the tarred roads, there is less dirt, less water stagnation, and the increase in people and traffic has allowed working children (ven- dors, bicycle-taxis, etc.) to increase their income, while reducing the distance needed to go to school, market and hospital.

Cameroon: Globally, all the projects have brought happiness to children and youths. However, there have been some difficulties in regards to playground use, simply becau- se of the fact that children were not consulted before they implemented the projects.

Côte d'Ivoire: The projects completed contribute to the well-being of children: - In Touba, the construction of latrines made it possible for children to have adequa- te places to go when nature calls, instead of going to places where they could be infected; - In Korhogo, the restoration of the Municipal Stadium made children happier and gave them opportunities to enjoy themselves; - In Adjamé, with the construction of the bridge, children can now move around easi- ly and with less risk of an accident, and play in places like CEPA (Pilote Listening Center of Adjamé)

Participants in the national dialogue of the WCY from Burundi Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 35 - 7- Vulnerability

In regards to the issue of vulnerability, the follo- wing five (5) questions were asked of the parti- cipants who attended the national consulta- tions:

1) Did the project increase children's vulnerability? 2) Do projects expo- se girls to threats? 3) Do projects allow children to be more listened to and respected? 4) Do projects plan measures for disabled children? 5) Do projects plan measures in relation to smaller children?

7.1 "Did the projects increase children vulnerability?" a) Those who said no (64%) Benin: On the contrary, the projects have been created for children and youths' well- being. Burundi: Children became safe thanks to the road layout and can easily access health care as well as enjoy a balanced diet. Cameroon: The projects have significantly improved the living conditions of the popu- lations, even if there are still some complaints. Indeed, it is quite hard to make everybo- dy happy about a project. Côte d'Ivoire: The projects have not made children more vulnerable. - The projects helped children have more chances of success; well-being and good health. Therefore, children are not vulnerable merely because projects have been achieved; - The projects helped children be in good health and no longer vulnerable; - The projects like the restoration of schools and hospitals allow children to be bet- ter protected. b) Those who said "a little, a little " (14%) Burundi: After the implementation of the works, parents who used to work lost their jobs, which, in general, has made difficult the life of families and children, in particu- lar. - 36 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank c) Those who said yes (22%)

Benin: With the use of contraceptive methods like condoms, for example, children and youths indulge in debauchery because they think they are allowed to do anything they want.

Burundi: Parents who took part in the works and those who were paid compensations for land expropriation due to the road layout were paid a huge sum of money, something they were not used to; so some of them adopted undignified behavior such as excessive drinking of alcohol, which resulted in arguments among parents; domestic violence, polygamy, lack of harmony between parents and children, etc.

Cameroon: With the UNDP project, many children fell ill by drinking water whose qua- lity was not good (smell and color). At Obala, there are girls who claimed that they ran into some projects workers (and some of them were) suffering from diseases like syphi- lis. At Ayos or Okola, for example, there were many cases where children got sick by eating fruit produced by the PACA project plantation. At Yaoundé, the PDUE project had hired a company to dig up the earth to build the road. But, they had to protect the site located near a playground where children play. Following a collapse, the earth fell on a child who got killed. Furthermore, children and youths claimed that, when they were digging channels or breaking stones, for example in the neighborhood of Nkoldongo, they got sick and nothing was done to treat them. They went on saying than children faced problems to be paid their wages after they finished their job.

Côte d'Ivoire: For the Williams-ville interchange, children and youths were told to leave their work place and became vulnerable because they could indulge in no gainful acti- vity.

7.2 "Do projects expose girls to threats?" a) Those who said no (52%)

Benin: People think highly of the projects who deal in a responsible manner with sick children. Children are more sensitized and the right to health care is taken into account.

Burundi: Supervisors have taken measures to protect girls who are involved in the work.

Cameroon: In localities like Obala, they claim that they saw girls who were exposed to pregnancies, to sexually transmitted diseases and some people encouraged their girls to have intimate relations with project workers to get a little money. In Mfou, a 20-year girl claimed that she was impregnated by a man who worked for a UNDP project located in the Hausas neighborhood, but the latter did not want to recognize the paternity of the child. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 37 -

Côte d'Ivoire: the projects that were achieved did not expose girls to risks. - With projects like the PNRC project, girls received some funds for projects they manage in order to support themselves; - On the worksites, girls get customers who buy their products and with those pro- ceeds they support themselves; b) Those who said "a little, a little" (18%) Benin - Poor care; - Medicines are available but are sometimes outdated; Burundi: The projects allowed the girls to get jobs and to become more self-reliant, but some workers or other people working in the project took advantage of the situation to exploit them. Cameroon: It is difficult for them to claim that the girls had unwanted pregnancies because of projects agents for a girl may have several boyfriends. We do not recall that any girl has been taken by force to a man. Côte d'Ivoire: "Despite the fact that there are some success possibilities for the girls through the projects, there are all the same some risks to which girls are likely to be sub- jected to " such as prostitution. c) Those who said yes (30%) Benin - Risk of misuse of condoms; - Poor management of infected objects; Burundi: The creation of projects led to situations in which girls are faced with the fol- lowing problems: - For the PRODEMA project, some parents withdrew girls from school for activities that are related to the financed project. - The girls were victims of unwanted pregnancies, early marriages, plus cases of abandonment of babies, abortions and prostitution. Cameroon: We have not heard that any girl has been a victim of a situation that is lin- ked to the project, because she is a girl. We have simply noted a few situations related to the risks of doing a job or handling certain dangerous products. Côte d'Ivoire: The projects completed would expose girls to some risks. The explana- tions given are as follows: - In San Pedro, young girls who were asked to leave the worksites became idle and therefore indulged in prostitution to meet their needs and expenses; - In Abidjan, as part of the construction of the interchange (7th installment), girls were often compelled to indulge in indirect prostitution because sometimes workers often pay for all their products in exchange of sex, which indeed promotes prostitu- tion on the worksites and in the surroundings. - 38 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank 7.3 "Do projects allow children to be more listened to and respec- ted?" a) Those who say no (26%)

Benin: Those in this category made the following claims: - The right to healthcare is not respected; - Some rights were not respected;

Burundi: Those in this category made the following claims: - Things had remained the same; children were not consulted, or their rights have not been taken into account in the planning and implementation of the works. - No space where children could exchange ideas was created for the children invol- ved in the works.

Cameroon - In the locality of Okola, for example, the UNDP project, the PDUE project in Mbalmayo, and even the PAISS project in Bamenda where the respondents explained that they had not been consul- ted before and after the projects were achieved. - In Bamenda, there were children and youths who claim that, prior to the PACA project which facili- tated the construction of a farm in Bambui, children did feel little concerned. But, when the project arri- ved, adults did not involve them, either during the inception phase or during implementation.

Impacts of PACA in Cameroon Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 39 - b) Those who said "a little, a little " (37%)

Benin: Only two rights were respected, but all children and youths were not taken into account. This is the case for example for vidomègon (entrusted girls). The two rights respected are the right to set up organizations and the right to play.

Burundi: Nothing has changed but the children were informed that a school would be built for potential contributions, or through parents meetings.

Cameroon: We do not know whether children have been more listened to during the pro- ject, because many children did not anticipate project activities and the only thing they could do was to negotiate small jobs as workers on worksites.

Côte d'Ivoire: - Due to the fact that the projects in San Pedro are related to roads, we do not think that it will lead to children being seriously listened to; - Some projects do not impact directly on children's lives and that has nothing to do with listening to or respecting children. c) Those who said yes (37%)

Benin - Access to health centres; - Right to healthcare; - Children and youths' points of view are respected

Burundi: The parents consulted the children before receiving gifts from the project (cow, goat, seeds).

Cameroon: For example, localities like Bamenda and Akonolinga, where debates were organized as part of the UNDP and PAISS projects, for neighborhoods and villages chiefs to discuss with the populations before the project started.

Côte d'Ivoire: The projects allowed children living in various localities to be more lis- tened to and respected: - The restoration of schools buildings helped children to be more listened to in class- rooms, because there used to be too many pupils in classrooms ; now teaching could better value the opinions of children who are more respected in relation to the mana- gement of their rights; - In Abidjan, the construction of bridges and interchanges allowed children to have easy access to CEPA (Pilote Listening Center of Adjamé) to express their needs, and therefore to contribute to enabling children become more listened to and taken into account. - 40 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank 7.4 "Do projects plan measures for disabled children?" a) Those who said no (43%)

Bénin - Not specifically directed towards disabled people; - Not taken into account in terms of healthcare; - Not specifically directed towards disabled people;

Burundi: Disabled children have not received any special attention during the imple- mentation of projects, because infrastructures built are not often appropriate for this category of children (restrooms, baths, doors, etc.).

Cameroon: Most infrastructures built by the projects do not take into account a plan that would enable disabled children to have access to them with their tricycles. They always need some help. In addition, we have not seen blind children in schools built by UNDP, because blind people claim that teachers do not take care of them. In the PACA, children claim that they have never seen disabled children involved in the project. They are a little bit neglected by the project.

Côte d'Ivoire: No measure has been planned for disabled children. Those who are men- tally ill have not been taken into account by the projects, as hospitals and foster homes do. b) Those who said "a little, a little" (28%) Benin - Donations of crutches and tricycles but project managers sell them sometimes; - Support to disabled people but sale of some equipment; Burundi: We are not aware of those measures. Côte d'Ivoire: - We do not think that measures have been taken regarding care given to disabled children; - The restoration of the bridges does not enable disabled people to go through the stairs; but, on the bridge; there is some space for pedestrians that can be used by disabled people. c) Those who said yes (30%) Bénin - Disabled people have the same rights than the others (the access to health care included) - Help to the disabled by the projects - Donations of equipment to disabled people - PEC to better take care of the disabled child Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 41 -

Cameroon: The example of the state school PRINTANIERES in Sa'a where the UNDP project has taken some measures to create bridges that facilitate access for disabled children.

Côte d'Ivoire: Some measures have been taken for disabled children: - In hospitals, centres as well as schools, disabled children get some health care; - In Touba, the restored school includes a space near the stairs to allow disabled children to go up and down - Within some buildings, disabled people can move around even if that is not easy; but it is even better than the situations that were prevailing before the project was initiated - The construction of gutters will involve concrete slabs to facilitate the movement of children, mostly disabled ones

7.5 "Do projects plan measures in relation to smaller children?" a) Those who said no (32%)

Burundi: For fear of not having any job, mothers who had babies used to leave them at home or were compelled to put them on the ground in order to work well, which put chil- dren in danger.

Cameroon: - Smaller children are not strong enough to use the water pumps built by UNDP. Furthermore, there are pumps that are built with a lock system, which children are not able to use because one has to turn the pump from the top first. - In addition, they say that PACA has not planned any particular protection means for children around plantations and farms, and consequently, they are often exposed to infections by chemical products used, and to smells coming from pigsties.

Côte d'Ivoire - The projects completed like the roads do not concern children, therefore they are not its direct beneficiaries; - The restoration of high schools and colleges does not concern little kids; b) Those who said "a little, a little" (12%)

Burundi: For example, women who worked for project did not take care of their little ones. - 42 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank c) Those who said yes (56%)

Burundi: The projects have helped families to improve children's diet and meet their basic needs.

Cameroon: - UNDP has built kindergartens, one orphanage and cellars erected for example in Sa'a and Zamengoe. It proves all the same that the project has thought about the litt- le ones. However, there are still some villages of the project that do have such kind of infrastructures. - The PAISS has also targeted little children by organizing regular vaccination cam- paigns for children aged 0 to 5.

UNDP in Cameroon

Côte d'Ivoire - The restoration of the Sub-Prefecture in Katiola benefited to children for their birth certificates; - In regards to the school that was built in Toumodi, they installed a swing for the little ones ; - In San Pedro, they put in place " speed bumps " to enable children, mostly the litt- le ones, to move around and, therefore, to limit risks of accidents due to speeding in the neighborhood Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 43 - III- RECOMMENDATIONS 12 Recommendations on the design and management of projects

- To set up an efficient system for the monitoring and evaluation of projects. - To take into account children's rights (in general, and working children, in particular) - To get children involved in the design and implementation of projects; if such was the case, some situations would have been avoided like, in Nkol Enang, where a nur- sery was set up in a football stadium. - To take into account WCYs' opinions when designing projects. - To sensitize the managers of World Bank projects on the dangers that their projects could have on children living in the localities where their projects have been imple- mented. - To sensitize projects managers on good governance. - To promote a participative and collective management of projects without any dis- crimination. - To set up organizations to fight corruption. - To set up an audit committee for the management of projects - To enforce sanctions against funds embezzlers in compliance with the law - To mobilize WCYs against the embezzlements of projects funds. - Collaboration between WCYs and populations, and projects' managers. 5 Recommendations to the World Bank

- To put in place an organization responsible for enforcing children's rights before, during and after the implementation of project it has financed. - To conduct evaluation studies on children's rights under financed projects. - To put in place a code of conduct on the respect of children's rights for people who work for World Bank financed projects. - To ensure that groups of vulnerable people are taken into account (poor, handicap, children, etc.) - To consider as a priority the construction of recreational areas for children. 9 Recommendations to States and project actors

- To ensure that children's rights are respected and, particularly, that projects that are proposed to the World Bank would strengthen them. - To sensitize parents on children's supervision while works are being conducted. - Children and youths recommend that the project strengthen its employees' securi- ty, particularly children. They suggest that first aid kits be provided to facilitate the treatment of light wounds on worksites. - 44 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

- Projects must communicate more about their activities, using placards, posters, bill- boards, pamphlets, radio and television and other tools in order to reach a maximum number of people. - At the Lom Pangar project, according to the participants in the workshop, the right to enjoy cultural freedom has lost ground and difficulties have sprung. Children and youths from the locality of Pangar have been compelled to give up some activities, like hunting, to become farmers despite the fact that hunting remains a traditional activity. - To ensure that hospitals are equipped after their restoration. - To fund children's projects to help them start work after training - To support training facilities for young dropouts. - For the restoration of roads, there must be "speed bumps" to force drivers to redu- ce their speed on the roads. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 45 - IV- PROSPECTS

- To integrate children's rights into the negotiation related to the terms and conditions under which projects are implemented. - To initiate periodic meetings with security forces on the issue of children's securi- ty in various communes. - To involve WCYs in sensitization, through theater, home visits, tea party debates, etc. - Training to upgrade and build capacities in terms of children's rights; advocacy and communication, will help in the fight against the violation of children's rights. - To initiate a seminar on religious dialogue for the promotion of children's rights.

The point Cameroon is making is not about prospects but rather grievances, which show that we still have a long way to go, …

Under the UNDP project, the rights that have lost ground the most, because of the project are: the right to healthcare, the right to equitable legal aid in case of pro- blems; the right to be listened to and the right to light and limited work. This has transpired through the testimonies according to which several wells were built, but some of these provide water whose quality is questionable and whose consumption by children and youths was the cause of some diseases.

Several children and youths who worked for this project claimed that they were under-paid, while others declared that they were never paid, due to fallacious pre- texts. Several children claimed that they worked late at night, hoping they would get good wages, but in vain.

Several children said they were never consulted about the site where was to be loca- ted the wells despite the fact that they were the very people who would be asked to fetch water for the houses. In children and youths' opinion regarding the PACA pro- ject, the right to good health and safe work has lost ground. In fact, testimonies have revealed that several children fell ill because of the handling of products used in far- ming and cattle breeding. Some cases of poisoning and labor accidents resulted in wounds and snakes bite.

As far as PDUE is concerned, it was noticed that the right to equitable legal aid in case of problems and the right to work in a safe environment have also lost ground. Several youths declared that there were children and youths who worked without being paid and some were even accused of theft and their wages were confiscated. Others performed tasks like digging out gutters, wells; transporting cement bags or sand. They did that without the required protective outfit. - 46 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 47 - APPENDIX 1 - 48 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

APPENDIX 2 Table of countries, localities, and participants in the local and national consultations Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 49 - APPENDIX 3 Countries Projects financially supported by the World Bank on which the children expressed themselves Benin - Health Centres Construction - Fight against IHV/AIDS - Management of household garbage and solid waste (PUGEMU) - Construction of schools and classrooms Burkina - Sector-Based Urban Water Projet (PSEU) Faso - Support project for local authorities (PACT) - Support project for health sector and fight against AIDS (PASS) - Support project to agricultural sectors (PAFASP) - Project for the improvement of agricultural productions and food security (PAPSA) - Agricultural productivity program in West Africa (PPAAO) - National program for local management phase 2 (PNGT 2) Burundi Building infrastructures - Health centres in Buganda , Cankuzo, Gisanze, Mugongomanga, Musigati, - Sanitation and paving in Kinanira, Avenue Poisson de Gihosha, Gatoke, Zeimet. - Construction of the Ruyigi- cankuzo road - Construction of markets in Bukirasazi, Gitega, Bugendana, Gishubi, Giheta, Muramvya , Mutaho, - Clean water supply to the commune of Bugendana, - Construction of the communal college of Bweru - Clean water supply to the commune of Matana and Rutovu, - Construction of the primary school of Kilimba. - Agriculture and breeding (PRODEMA) Cameroun - Program for the improvement of agricultural competitiveness (PACA) - National program for participatory development f (PNDP) (phase I and II) - LOMP-PANGAR hydroelectric project - Project for the support of urban development and water (PADUE) - Project for the support of investment in the health sector Cöte - Post-Conflict aid project (PAPC) d’Ivoire - Project for the support to the sector of education and training (PASEF) - Emergency urban infrastructure project (PUIUR) - Project for the development of children's capacities employment (PEJEDEC) - 50 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank APPENDIX 4 The 5 African countries concerned: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 51 - APPENDIX 5 AMWCY's 2013 statistics

- 706,261 members and well-wishers

- 212,314 members

- 3,431 grassroots groups

- 340 associations

- 26 countries

72.6 % children

55.8 % girls - 52 - Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank

2,809 working children and youth took part in this consultation that was held from May to July 2013 at the request of Oak Foundation. Housemaids, apprentices learning different trades, vendors, workers from various economic sectors; snail, pig, chicken and fish breeders; hair- dressers, market gardeners and child- ren involved in other numerous jobs and who, for the most part, are either working or studying in formal schools or taking literacy courses by AMWCY, participated in the consultation. The consultation took place in 105 localities. There were 5 national workshops and they were attended by 163 children and youth who provided the summary of all the works. Consulting children on projects funded by the World Bank - 53 -