Child Domestic Workers Protection Project — “Nigat Project”
The Nigat Project, funded by the Freedom Fund and implemented by Emmanuel Development Association (EDA), is a comprehensive child protection initiative operating in Addis Ababa, specifically in Lideta Sub-city (Woredas 03 and 04) and Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-city (Woreda 05). During the reporting year, the project focused on transforming perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward child domestic workers (CDWs) while strengthening community and institutional support systems to protect vulnerable children from exploitation. Building on EDA’s three years of child protection experience, the project leveraged strong partnerships with schools, Iddirs, community volunteers, and government stakeholders.
Key activities and interventions included enrolling 189 CDWs in mainstream schools and supporting them through mentorship clubs, scholastic materials, and safe learning spaces; providing 60 adolescent CDWs with skills training and seed grants to enhance their economic independence; conducting awareness sessions with 210 employers, 210 employer children, and 210 community members on child rights and safer working conditions; and building the capacity of 150 government officials, 90 teachers, 25 Iddirs, and 9 school gender clubs to strengthen child protection systems.
During the reporting year, 210 children were directly supported in accessing education and skills development, and 420 community members and employers were engaged to foster safer environments for CDWs. The project contributes to SDG 8.7 (ending child labour) and SDG 16.2 (ending violence against children), promoting gender-sensitive and sustainable community-driven interventions.
Key Activities & Deliverables
Education & Direct Child Support
- School Integration: Enrolled 189 child domestic workers (CDWs) in mainstream schools, providing them with safe learning spaces, scholastic materials, and mentorship club support.
- Economic Empowerment: Equipped 60 adolescent CDWs with targeted skills training and seed grants to build economic independence.
Community Engagement & Behavior Change
- Rights Awareness: Conducted child rights and safe working conditions awareness sessions for 210 employers, 210 employer children, and 210 community members.
- Local Networks: Partnered with 25 traditional community burial groups (Iddirs) to strengthen localized child protection efforts.
Institutional Capacity Building
- Stakeholder Training: Built the capacity of 150 government officials and 90 schoolteachers to improve local protection mechanisms.
- School Clubs: Strengthened 9 school gender clubs to foster more supportive and protective environments for vulnerable students.
