Child protection and education in Diffa
Case Study: SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz
Maman in class activities.
Photo: Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou/SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz/Fairpicture
Brief
This collaboration between SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz and Fairpicture focuses on documenting the impact of family-strengthening programs in Diffa, Niger, a region significantly affected by conflict and displacement.
Through photography and videography, Fairpicture visual creator Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou aimed to highlight how SOS supports child protection systems, strengthens education, and empowers families to create a protective environment for children and youth.
Deliverables include more than 70 high-quality photos and 4 short video clips, capturing daily life, educational opportunities, and personal testimonials about life and bonds. This ethically produced content will support SOS’s 2024 communication efforts, providing insights for donor publications and digital channels.
Client
SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz
Visual Creator
Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou
Theme
Child protection and education
Locations
Diffa, Niger
Date
March 2024
Photo: Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou/SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz/Fairpicture
Context
Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. At the same time, it has the youngest population in the world: a good half of its inhabitants are under 14 years of age. This is also a great opportunity: with better school and vocational training, young people can break out of the cycle of poverty and contribute to the development of the country.
Fairpicture visual creator Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou visited the work of SOS Switzerland in Diffa which is located in the south-east of the country and therefore in an area that is particularly affected by armed attacks. Abdoul-Rafik documented the family strengthening program and made it visible and understandable in photos and concise videos by connecting with children, mothers and youth testimonials and their daily lives and how they are supported by SOS.
Tania at CFM training center on workshop. "Previously, I was unemployed but I already had a great passion for welding. SOS, through its family strengthening program registered me at the professional training center. Since, I kept learning"
Photo: Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou/SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz/Fairpicture
Maman in class activities with his teacher who is also his aunt.
Photo: Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou/SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz/Fairpicture
Portrait of Maman
Maman is a 9 years old student beneficiary of the SOS Family Strengthening Program. He was Brought by SOS to live with his aunt who is a teacher for a better follow up at school.
Video: Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou/SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz/Fairpicture
Portrait of Aissata, a Child protection Committee member.
Photo: Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou/SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz/Fairpicture
The cooperation with Abdoul-Rafik and Fairpicture has been crucial to make our work in Diffa, one of our especially challenging and remote, but at the same time extremely important projects, visible for our donors. It has been very rewarding to learn from our program participants directly and make their voices being heard here, too.
David Becker
Content Manager, SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz
Members of the girls savings association in the Maloumdi district at their weekly meeting.
Photo: Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou/SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz/Fairpicture
The collaboration with David through Fairpicture in Diffa was a unique experience. Both were very communicative. This made it easier to work both on field and during post-production. Moreover, I had the pleasure of rediscovering a resilient program which, in a surge of solidarity brings with it all sections of the society for sustainable development.
Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou
Fairpicture Visual Creator
Maman with his friends on their way to school.
Photo: Abdoul-Rafik Gaïssa Chaïbou/SOS-Kinderdorf Schweiz/Fairpicture
Outcome
SOS-Switzerland received 4 fully produced video clips as well as the raw-video-footage and 70 high quality photos with quotes and elaborated descriptions in the metadata, which showcase how children's aid organization supports family strengthening programs in Diffa and are now used in the clients donor magazine, their social media channels, newsletter, blog and website.
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