Child Protection

GSF’s Child Protection Strategy

Addressing Exploitation, Abuse, and Neglect

Learn how GSF’s child protection strategy tackles issues such as:

• Child labor
• Early marriage
• Exposure to violence

Our interventions aim to mitigate these risks through targeted, community-focused approaches. By creating safe spaces and promoting awareness, we strive to build protective environments for children.

Key Areas of Intervention

Community-Based Child Protection

We collaborate with local communities to:

• Raise Awareness: Educating families about child protection rights and risks through workshops, campaigns, and targeted community sessions.
• Identify Risks: Engaging community leaders and using participatory tools to map and address vulnerabilities specific to their region.
• Promote Children’s Rights: Empowering families and children to advocate for their well-being, fostering an environment of mutual support and understanding.

Education and Skill-Building

GSF provides:

• Access to quality education for children in conflict zones, emphasizing inclusivity and resilience.
• Skill-building programs designed to equip children with practical and sustainable tools for success, including vocational training and digital literacy.

By fostering education, we enable children to envision and build a promising future. These efforts also aim to reduce school dropouts and enhance community development.

Psychosocial Support

We offer:

• Trauma recovery programs tailored to help children affected by violence and exploitation. This includes counseling and peer-support groups.
• Community-based mental health initiatives that train local volunteers to recognize and address psychological needs.
• Structured recreational activities to help children regain a sense of normalcy and joy.

Advocacy and Awareness-Raising

GSF conducts:

• Public campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination, using media, storytelling, and community events to amplify the voices of vulnerable children.
• Policy advocacy to strengthen child protection laws and systems, ensuring long-term structural support.

Legal Aid and Assistance

Our team provides:

• Support for children in accessing justice by working with legal practitioners and human rights organizations.
• Guidance for families navigating complex legal systems, ensuring their voices are heard and rights are protected.
• Specialized training for local legal professionals to address child-specific cases effectively.

Monitoring and Evaluation

We prioritize accountability and learning by:

• Regularly tracking the progress of our programs through detailed reports and beneficiary feedback.
• Using data-driven insights to refine our strategies, ensuring continuous improvement and maximum impact.

Stakeholder Collaboration

GSF’s efforts are strengthened by partnerships with key stakeholders, including:

• Children and Families: Ensuring interventions align with the needs and voices of those we serve through participatory approaches.
• Communities: Building local capacity to sustain child protection efforts by fostering ownership and accountability.
• Government Agencies: Aligning with national child protection policies and frameworks to promote cohesive action.
• International Partners: Leveraging global best practices and resources to enhance the effectiveness of our programs.

Our Vision

Through these interventions, GSF seeks to:

• Address the root causes of exploitation and abuse by empowering communities with knowledge and resources.
• Foster a protective environment where children can thrive, free from harm and discrimination.
• Inspire systemic changes that prioritize child welfare and rights.

Together, we can create a North-East Nigeria where every child is safe, supported, and empowered. Our mission goes beyond immediate aid; it focuses on building sustainable structures for long-term impact.