By Fatou Sowe
With a view to mobilizing support and participation of survivors of child abuse and exploitation, the Child Protection Alliance (CPA) with support from Save the Children recently held a day’s training for 25 survivors of child marriage, sexual abuse and female genital mutilation.
The activity which was held at the Kids Come First Foundation in Wellingara attended mainly by children from the shelter homes was characterized by various presentations from CPA officials on child rights and protection, sexual abuse and mandatory reporting of cases of abuse.
It gave the participants a better understanding on how to further protect themselves and to encourage them to report cases of such.
According to organizers, the activity targeted child survivors because all children deserve an environment that is safe and nurturing, one that will allow them to grow, thrive, and maximize their full potential. “It’s clear that children within our communities face lot of challenges in terms of dealing with sexual abuse, child marriage and other related cases,” CPA concept note said.
CPA also believes that such abuses on children have a long lasting effect on their lives, due to the physical, psychological, and sexual violence they experience in and around the communities.
“And the impact always affects their education, health, social and economic life which continues to affect their self esteem and that of their children as young mothers,” it added.
CPA, according to officials, are committed to ensuring that all stakeholders from individuals, Civil Society Organizations, and government work towards making sure that the rights and needs of survivors are given due consideration. It also hopes to increase access to a proper justice system for child survivors so as to further protect their image.
