The Empire des Enfants (or ‘Kingdom of Children’) is a shelter for street kids located in the centre of Dakar, Senegal, which offers those children that are forced into the begging system by their religious teachers- known as the 'talibes'- a temporary refuge. It is run by dedicated staff who ensure that these kids have a safe haven where they can receive medical treatment, clean clothes and get involved in creative activities before returning to their families.

Recently, the shelter has expanded its facilities by building a multimedia room where the kids will learn the craft of filmmaking and photography through workshops run by professionals from the film industry who will volunteer on a regular basis (the room has yet to be equipped with modern digital cameras and computers).

The goal of these workshops is to help the kids develop new skills and interests so they can express their feelings and expand their creativity. Psychologists have long pointed to the link between creative expression and child development as a way of reducing anxiety and pain and increasing self-esteem. We hope that by giving these kids the opportunity to make their own films, they will have the chance to empower themselves by creating their own narratives through writing and visual story-telling. It will also be a fantastic opportunity for them to show the world their unique talent!

Today, the multimedia room desperately needs the film equipment to get the workshops up and running. Please donate whatever you can to help us.