Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-04-18 09:35:23
The increasing reports of missing persons, especially children, and armed robberies in The Gambia have raised concerns about the country’s security. Referred to as “The Smiling Coast of Africa,” The Gambia has always been known for its beauty and safety. However, the recent trends indicate a growing insecurity that needs to be addressed.
One of the factors contributing to this insecurity is the lack of an effective strategy to tackle these threats. Parents and schools also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children. Unfortunately, many parents are too busy with work and social activities to educate their children about safety measures. Similarly, schools often overlook the importance of teaching children basic safety skills.
To address these growing concerns and protect children in The Gambia, there is a need for Education For Protection and Wellbeing (EPW). ChildFund’s EPW program aims to empower children, caregivers, and educators to prevent, mitigate, and respond to violence against children. The program consists of four components that aim to reduce various forms of violence that children may encounter at home, in school, or in the community.
Children often face threats and abuse because they lack the knowledge to distinguish between safe and unsafe environments. Through the EPW program, children are taught about safe environments, basic safety precautions, and how to respond to different situations. It is important for parents and educators to engage in conversations with children about abuse, safety, and security to empower them with the necessary skills to protect themselves.
EPW’s approach includes training teachers and caregivers in cognitive-behavioral skills through programs like “Thousands of Hands” (ToH). This program reinforces social and emotional learning (SEL) in adults while children participate in SEL and self-protection activities. By enhancing interactions between children, caregivers, and educators, EPW aims to improve educational outcomes and break the cycle of violence.
One key aspect of the EPW program is orienting through positive discipline, which helps children understand the consequences of their actions and learn how to modify their behavior. It is essential to differentiate between discipline and punishment, as discipline focuses on teaching and learning, while punishment instills fear and encourages children to hide their actions.
Through hands-on activities and classroom sessions, children learn about safe places, types of touch, assertiveness, identifying unsafe situations, trusted adults, recognizing abuse, and safety in the community. These competencies help children protect themselves and others from harm while promoting academic success.
In conclusion, the EPW model is crucial for ensuring child protection, academic success, and community engagement. Collaboration between organizations, schools, and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is vital to implement SEL frameworks and promote a safe and nurturing environment for children in The Gambia. Together, we can protect our children and build a safer future for our country.
Read the original article on The Standard
