For many centuries the little group of islands has been a Portuguese protectorate and has achieved its independence only in 1975. As from the beginning of the ´90ies the country has developed step by step into a promising tourist destination. Despite this positive development, the country still needs to be supported by international organisations and mostly by Cape Verdean people living abroad. These emigrates are taking care of their relatives, who they often left behind under dramatic circumstances. Particularly difficult are life conditions on the island of Santo Antao, where tourism is still at an early stage and children belonging to the weaker part of the society are frequently left to their own devices.