activities in the field of children. For instance, in 2007, it developed a decentralized model for registering children, which was implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Justice in the Bafatá Region on a trial basis. 71. The Plan Guinea-Bissau, within the scope of its activities, carried out a study to better understand the phenomenon of female excision, which is one of the serious forms of violation of children's rights. 72. Also in terms of cooperation, the NGO Sinimira Nassiquê and the Institute for Women and Children, have developed actions to combat harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and early or forced marriage. In the specific case of excision, the alternative mechanism was established, but that did not have much effectiveness, inasmuch as this praxis does not seem to have reduced considerably. 73. AMIC - Children's Friends Association, is one of the organizations that operates in the field of childhood, being the first in this area, inasmuch as, it has been functioning since 1984. However, it has implemented a project for children and young workers in collaboration with SAVE THE CHILDREN SWEDEN. 74. Although some efforts have been made in the field of childhood by some organizations in the country, they are far from responding to the problem, due to the increasing economic vulnerability of Guinean households. This reality has increasingly pushed children and young people into small businesses, as a way of contributing to the increase in family income. 75. In this context, AMIC has implemented the Project for Children and Young Workers, whose objectives were to provide children with education and health, as the basic areas through which a harmonious and sustainable development of a society should begin. In addition to the areas already mentioned, the project also provided children with sporting, cultural activities and awareness-raising sessions on children's rights. 76. Another aspect concerns the repatriation of children victims of trafficking, family and socio-professional reintegration. As from 2005 to 2007, around 135 children from Senegal to Guinea-Bissau, were already repatriated, with the collaboration of the Swiss and IOM foundations. 77. Also, in relation to school canteens, it has developed actions in collaboration with the US Human International Partnership for Development (HIPD), operating in 300 schools with a total number of 58,000 students, covering 6 regions of the country and the autonomous sector of Bissau. 78. SOS - is an international philanthropic institution, that welcomes orphaned children (partial or total), giving them a new home. It opened in 1994 in Bissau and later extended to Gabu and Canchungo regions in 2006. It is structured in villages (social center, normal kindergarten, and juvenile home), primary schools of Hermamn Gmairer and secondary school. Children are followed up during their stay at home and after leaving, (when they reach the age of majority), they are entitled to social integration grant (called partial integration). 18

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