Two Decades of Mission: Safe-Child Advocacy in response to “Urban Crisis Response” on World Habitat Day
On World Habitat Day, celebrated on the first Monday of October, organizations are answering the global call to action under the 2025 theme: “Urban Crisis Response” in different ways. Daughters of Charity and Safe-Child Advocacy, marking 20 years of service in Kumasi-Ghana, has demonstrated how a safe shelter is the foundation for a child’s full potential and identity.
Kumasi, Ghana – 6 October 2025– As the world observes World Habitat Day, held annually on the first Monday of October, attention is drawn to the fundamental right to adequate shelter for all. This year’s official theme, “Urban Crisis Response,” highlights the urgent need for resilient housing and support systems in a world facing growing urban challenges from climate change and conflict. At the heart of this global reflection is the vision of Safe-Child Advocacy: “A society where children enjoy safe childhood and develop their potential to the fullest.” A safe home is an indispensable starting point for achieving this potential.
In this compelling situation, the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi has collaborated with action to create meaningful global change in urban crisis, more especially, street children. In collaboration with the Archdiocese, the Daughters of Charity Women Religious Congregation has intensified its efforts to combat the urgent crisis of street children through its vital partnership with Safe-Child Advocacy. This collaboration not only represents a powerful response to an escalating issue but also fosters hope and a brighter future for countless vulnerable lives. Their work extends beyond immediate relief, focusing on creating a stable, life skills, and secure habitat. This collaborative model demonstrates how dedicated organizations can directly address the consequences of urban crises, such as displacement and poverty, by providing a loving environment that encourages growth and safety for the most vulnerable.
The charity’s key initiative is the St. Louise de Marillac Vocation Training Centre (VTC), a critical intervention that serves as both a residential facility and a technical school. The VTC’s mission is to equip young individuals, with a special focus on the girl child, with essential life skills, thereby breaking the cycle of vulnerability. The center also provides immediate shelter for distressed victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. This comprehensive approach reflects the timeless wisdom of the religious orders, particularly the founder of the Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent de Paul, who famously stated: “Charity is the cement which binds communities to God and persons to one another”, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat’s 2025 message formally reaffirms the core vision and mission of Safe-Child Advocacy that “Rebuilding homes is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about dignity. It is about hope. On this World Habitat Day, I call on all of us – governments, partners, and communities – to act with urgency.” This declaration underscores the critical social and emotional dimensions of a safe, stable home in line with Safe-Child Advocacy’s goals and objectives.
This deep-seated commitment to human dignity is echoed by other great humanitarian figures, connecting the day’s celebration to a broader tradition of compassion. Saint Mother Teresa’s powerful counsel, “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person,” and “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples,” perfectly encapsulate the impact of the VTC’s focused efforts. By centering on the needs of one child at a time—offering safe shelter, education, and vocational training—the Daughters of Charity and Safe-Child Advocacy embody the “Urban Crisis Response,” working daily to ensure every child has a right to a safe home and a chance to thrive.
