By Ibrahim Sesay
Caritas Freetown has completed a two-day training aimed at strengthening efforts to prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in schools and communities across the Western Rural Area.
The training, held on February 16 and 17 at the Twin Hall in Hastings, brought together 100 Advocacy School Club members and 10 focal teachers from 10 schools. The initiative is part of a project sponsored by Manos Unidas and focuses on understanding SGBV, referral pathways, gender laws and sensitization skills.
Providing an overview of the project, Project Lead, Kumba Emmanuella Gando, said the intervention is being implemented in 10 targeted rural communities and 10 schools. She noted that the project seeks to address SGBV issues both in communities and within school environments by promoting behavioral and attitudinal change.
“We are focusing on how to address sexual and gender-based violence issues in communities as well as in schools,” she said. “You will be the ambassadors for your school. That’s why you are called Advocacy School Clubs, advocating to your colleagues.”
Kumba Emmanuella Gando encouraged participants to speak up against abuse and report incidents through the appropriate channels. She stressed that silence makes it difficult for authorities and focal teachers to intervene.
During her presentation, Alice Johnson Bah explained the Sexual Offenses Act and Child Rights Act of Sierra Leone highlighting the various types of sexual offenses and punishments attached.
Concluding her presentation, Alice Johnson Bah urged participants to speak up against sexual abuse and report it.
”Know your right. Respect your self. Protect your future by speaking up today of any abuse,” she added.
Participants described the training as impactful and empowering. Hassan Sesay of Pathway Academy Secondary School said the training built on previous knowledge he had gained through child protection programs.
“This training has added to my existing knowledge. With this knowledge, I will serve as an advocate and strengthen behavioral change within my school and community,” he said.
Isatu Kanu of Anthem of Africa Academy said the sessions deepened her understanding of the different forms of SGBV and the relevant laws.
“This training has helped me to learn about the various types of SGBV and the laws,” she said, adding that her parents have always encouraged her to report any incident of abuse.
Also speaking, Mohammed Ali Kanu, Principal of Anthem of Africa Academy, said school authorities conduct preliminary fact-finding whenever SGBV cases are reported to ensure fairness before escalating matters to the relevant authorities for proper investigation.
“One major challenge we encounter in the fight against SGBV, especially in Western Area Rural, is poverty,” he noted. “Victims mostly come from deprived homes and the perpetrators are most times their benefactors. Speaking up becomes a serious challenge.”
He commended Caritas Freetown for the initiative stating that the knowledge gained would help schools develop improved strategies for handling SGBV cases.
The training forms part of broader efforts to promote access to justice and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable women and girls in the Western Area. Participants are expected to conduct awareness-raising activities in their respective schools as peer advocates against SGBV.
