How birth certificates can change the future for girls and boys in the Central African Republic

In the Central African Republic, over one million children live without birth certificates. They lack the one piece of paper that's essential for education, protection and legal identity. World Vision is helping change that by providing 36,000 children with this vital document. For kids like Viviane and Richard, it means the chance to attend school, take exams, access healthcare and be officially recognized. Amidst conflict and displacement, a birth certificate offers more than identity, it offers a future.

This year, World Vision through Childhood Rescue has set a goal to give 36,000 children their birth certificates.

This is more than simple paperwork; it’s a promise of possibility. Watch how compassion from donors like you is helping rewrite the futures of children in the CAR.

Viviane

“My parents did not have the opportunity to provide me with a birth certificate. But today, thanks to World Vision, I now have a birth certificate.

I can submit my examination papers this year due to obtaining my birth certificate. It is essential to have a birth certificate as it allows me to take exams and competitions, be recognized, and be of Central African nationality

I want to thank World Vision, I now have a birth certificate. It is a fact where I was born, and my parents are known.”

Richard

“I’m happy to receive the birth certificate because it helps me to be recognized. To be someone.

Birth certificates are necessary because they allow you to take an exam, or a B.E.C. or gain a high school diploma and a nationally recognized passport, and that serves (affirms) who I am.”

Viviane and Richard stand with their birth certificates. Both expressed gratitude, having now been able to take their school exams and participate in society as a ‘known’ person.

“The birth certificate is the legal tool that gives a child identity. It is through the birth certificate that a child’s nationality is recognized. By having his birth certificate, a child can go to school, can become someone in society tomorrow.” - Fabienne Zoumbassa

Fabienne Zoumbassa, WV CAR Child Protection Officer

“From a protection standpoint, having a birth certificate is among the fundamental rights of a child. We are delighted with this project because we have given life back to a child and life back to an entire community.

This project focuses on two key actions: facilitating the official registration process with courts and municipalities and raising community awareness to ensure every child born in the project area receives a birth certificate. In the regions we serve, evaluations revealed that 80% of school-aged children lacked this vital document, prompting Childhood Rescue to prioritize birth registration. Today, the impact is clear: more children are gaining access to education and the chance to shape their future. World Vision teams travel remote roads to hold awareness sessions and personally deliver birth certificates.

How do children lose their birth certificates?

CAR has a history of violent uprisings and broken peace deals. Since March 2013, the country has experienced ongoing conflict and political unrest, forcing millions to flee. In the chaos of leaving quickly, items like birth certificates can easily become lost. Urgent and immediate needs for girls and boys living in or born within an IDP settlement (Internally Displaced Persons) such as food, water, and shelter are the highest priorities. But as IDP locations become more established, children begin to recover, and education begins, a birth certificate becomes very important.

Other reasons for lost birth certificates:

• Documents lost or left behind whilst fleeing war

• Cost. When a child reaches 6 months, a birth certificate costs 10,000 CFA francs (approx. USD 16.5)

• Access. Remote villages have no registration offices or courts to apply to

• Lack of awareness amongst the community of the importance of a birth certificate for a child’s future