Wontanara

We work to provide shelter for all unaccompanied minors (UMs) who are not recognized by the authorities in Nantes and surrounding areas. Wontanara ("We are together" in Susu language) is a solidarity housing association for exiled minors. In France, exiled minors are supposed to be protected by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the UN in 1989. Unaccompanied minors are young people who came to France alone and have the right to specific protection and care, like all other children. Yet upon arrival in Nantes, many are assessed as "not minors" and must then prove their minority status through a very lengthy legal process. During this entire period, these isolated children end up on the street with no protection whatsoever. Within our association, we refuse to accept this situation and wish to act for the benefit of these young people. We aim to bring together hosts within our associative network to provide housing in a spirit of solidarity. We believe that shelter and the social connection that comes with it are prerequisites for a dignified life and the first step needed to enable each young person to flourish.