SIERRA LEONE: Combating gender-based violence
Don Bosco Fambul Childline launches campaign
SIERRA LEONE
(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Fambul Childline, with the support of AEXCID and Atabal Foundation, launched a countrywide initiative to combat gender-based violence in Sierra Leone. The goals are to increase awareness on violence and mistreatment of youth, provide support for those impacted, and promote the 525 toll-free line. The program includes training sessions for a variety of stakeholders including students, educators, family support units, women and girls, and community members.
A Salesian explained, “Educating these groups about the nature of violence and mistreatment against women and children, how to recognize it, understanding the laws related to gender-based violence, and knowing where to report such incidents is crucial for the well-being and safety of the community. This 18-month campaign will be replicated in each of the 16 districts in Sierra Leone. We are thankful to our donors.”
The campaign aims to establish a network of support and resources for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as to challenge the social norms and attitudes that perpetuate such violence.
Don Bosco Fambul’s 525 Childline toll-free number is available throughout the country, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for youth who suffer any type of violence. Over the last four years, Don Bosco Fambul has provided assistance for nearly 11,000 children and youth suffering violations of their fundamental rights. Through education, Salesians and a large multidisciplinary team of social workers transform the lives of youth to allow them to take control of their own lives.
Salesian missionaries have been serving in Sierra Leone since 2001 when they began working to rehabilitate former child soldiers through the organization Don Bosco Fambul. Young people in the country face significant challenges in accessing education. With too few teachers and many school buildings destroyed in the war, resources are thin. Persistently high illiteracy rates mean that an estimated 70% of Sierra Leone’s youth are unemployed or underemployed.
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Sources:
Don Bosco Child Protection Newsletter Embrace January-March 2024, Page 18
Salesian Missions – Sierra Leone
UNICEF – Sierra Leone
