Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) has today launched a handbook for teachers on child abuse prevention and an awareness video clip to empower children against abuse,in partnership with UNICEF Maldives.The awareness materials were launched by the Chief Guest, H. E. Mr Adam Shareef, Minister of Defence and National Security, at an event held today tomark the World Day on the Prevention of Child Abuse.
At the event held at the Villa College hall, the Teachers’ Handbook was distributed to representatives from preschools, primary and secondary schools in the Male’ region. ARC also plans to distribute the English and Dhivehi copies of the handbook to all schools throughout the country.
The video clip and handbook is part of ARC’s Hope Campaign against Child Abuse which was launched in 2010. This Campaign promotes four key messages: Raising Awareness; Recognizing signs; Reporting abuse; and Reaching out. An important component of the HOPE Campaign is the awareness sessions conducted for students and parents, as well as the workshops for teachers.
Speaking at the event, Zenysha Zaki, ARC’s Executive Director expressed hope that the handbook will be a useful resource that is easily accessible for teachers, who are in a unique position to identify victims of abuse through their daily interaction with children. In reference to the awareness video clip launched today, Ms. Zaki highlighted the importance of empowering children by educating them on steps they can take to protect themselves against all forms of abuse. Chief Guest, H. E. Mr Adam Shareef stressed the importance of a concerted effort in the fight against child abuse.
The World Day on the Prevention of Child Abuse marked on 19th November each year, is observed globally, to reiterate our responsibility to prevent the physical, verbal, psychological and sexual abuse of children.