2-4- Social risk exacerbated by unmet emotional and financial or material needs of the girl The fact that the girl’s small financial, material and emotional needs are unmet predisposes her in searching to meet her daily needs through solicitations. Girls bear the impact of parental poverty. But they are generally lenient vis-à-vis their poor parents. According to the study on the education of girls and in the opinion of the girls themselves, the father is behind the mother by 9 points since the mother is by far the first support provider (34.8% against 25.9% for the father). Both parents’ support put together account for 84.0%. They are followed by far by the boyfriend and the neighbourhood’s big brother who get 9.8%, and still ranks second ahead of siblings (3.2%) and other relatives and friends (3.0 %). The level of child satisfaction is very high: 79.5%, but the reasons for dissatisfaction highlight the uneasiness or shame that young people feel towards their carers. Other reports are also indicative of negligence, indifference (8.3%) and desire for independence (13.1%). Regarding school fees and school facilities, the satisfaction rate was lower (68.8%). Children often have to remind parents of their duty several times. If not addressed, the girls are forced to turn to other relatives (31.7%). Siblings (30.2%), the boyfriend (18.1%), to fend alone (12.2%) or resort to school and neighbourhood friends (7.8%). Some girls tired of begging from one parent to another are tempted to fall back on the boyfriend regarding education and other small daily needs. Moreover, there are a number of reasons for the urgent need to satisfy these small requirements: Table 44: Main reasons for seeking financial assistance 1 To gain financial independence at one or advanced age, it's normal 2 To be self sufficient, not disturb or annoy parents 3 To help parents, brothers, sisters and other relatives 4 To treat yourself, to dress, buy what you need Source: UNICEF, Survey on the education of girls, Brazzaville, 2006. 41.7% 34.3% 6.5% 17.5% In the current context of widespread poverty (50.7% of the population), the need for independence and own assertiveness in puberty cannot be overlooked. 2-5- Common practice of family and social exclusion Early pregnancy is never welcomed, in the family, as a happy event. The attitudes adopted by most people entail rejection, aggression, denial and resignation (at the end). Some parents even try to sue the partner if an amicable solution is not found. The girl, surprised at first and angry against her partner is torn between parents who cannot stop being angry and a partner that retracts. It is not rare that she tries abortion (secretly) or suicide. The first difficulty arises at the time of the announcement to parents. The first person informed is often the mother (according to 51% of the girls mothers interviewed). Knowing that reprimands and rebukes lie ahead, the girl hides her secret as long as it is possible until the obvious external signs betray her. She would speak to her mother (51.0%) or first to her partner (2.50%) and the remaining 25% girls, they would be looking for an environment close to her parents but more understanding (close relative, sister, aunt, grandmother or friends of 121