Building Sustainable Futures in South
From One Stop Centers (OSC) that address GBV emergencies to mental health and legal support, ADAFIN’s programs are transforming lives
Schools Action Groups on GBV, Ending Child Marriage & Adolescence Pregnancy
ADAFIN’s GBV sensitization program was designed to educate and empower young minds about the dangers and consequences of GBV. The students are taught how to recognize and address various forms of GBV, with a strong emphasis on prevention and the importance of reporting incidents.
Introduction
In the heart of South Sudan, ADAFIN is making strides in creating a safer and more informed society through its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention programs. Recently, ADAFIN successfully sensitized over 60 students from Light Primary School and Salva Kiir Secondary School on crucial GBV prevention messages, including rape, child marriages, and forced marriages. This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering the youth and equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves and their peers from GBV.
The Sensitization Program
ADAFIN’s GBV sensitization program was designed to educate and empower young minds about the dangers and consequences of GBV. The sessions were attended by 40 girls and 20 boys, who eagerly participated in the interactive training. The students were taught how to recognize and address various forms of GBV, with a strong emphasis on prevention and the importance of reporting incidents.
The program aimed to instill a sense of responsibility among the students, encouraging them to become advocates for GBV prevention within their schools and communities. By fostering a culture of awareness and proactive behavior, ADAFIN hopes to create a ripple effect that will contribute to long-term societal change.
Student Engagement and Feedback
The students of Light Primary School and Salva Kiir Secondary School responded positively to the training sessions. They expressed their gratitude for the knowledge and skills imparted by ADAFIN, recognizing the importance of these lessons in their daily lives. Many students acknowledged that the information provided would guide them in making safer choices and focusing on their studies without the fear of GBV.
One student remarked, “This initiative by ADAFIN has opened our eyes to the dangers around us. We now know how to protect ourselves and support each other. It gives us the strength to report any incidents of sexual violence without fear.”
Focus on Prevention and Reporting
A critical aspect of the sensitization program was educating students on how to prevent themselves from becoming victims of GBV and refraining from sexual-related activities. ADAFIN emphasized the importance of focusing on their education and personal development, steering clear of situations that could lead to harm.
Moreover, the students were advised to report any incidents of sexual violence to the One Stop Center at Aweil Civil Hospital. This center serves as a safe haven for GBV survivors, offering essential care and support to those in need. By making students aware of this resource, ADAFIN ensures that they have a clear pathway to seek help and justice.
Creative Engagement: Poems and Dramas
To reinforce the GBV prevention messages, ADAFIN encouraged the formation of School Action Groups. These groups are tasked with performing poems and dramas that highlight GBV-related prevention and response measures. By engaging in creative expressions, students can internalize and disseminate the knowledge gained during the training sessions in an impactful and memorable way.
One of the teachers at Light Primary School commented, “The poems and dramas performed by the students are powerful tools for spreading awareness. They not only educate their peers but also foster a supportive environment where everyone feels responsible for each other’s safety.”
Conclusion
ADAFIN’s GBV sensitization program at Light Primary School and Salva Kiir Secondary School is a testament to the organization’s commitment to building a safer and more informed society. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to prevent and address GBV, ADAFIN is nurturing future leaders who will champion the cause of gender equality and justice.
This initiative underscores the importance of community involvement in GBV prevention and the critical role that education plays in shaping a safer future. ADAFIN continues to work tirelessly to empower the youth and create a society where everyone can live with dignity and without fear.
Join ADAFIN in our mission to combat GBV and support our efforts to educate and empower the next generation. Together, we can create a brighter and safer future for all. #ADAFIN #GBVPrevention #YouthEmpowerment #SafeSchools #EndGBV
