Saturday July 5, 2008, 11:59 am
Save the Children has begun: As part of this work we support 16 children’s clubs that reach out to more than 150 children in the
local community.These children face many struggles,
including early or forced marriage, and abduction,
as well as sexual exploitation and abuse by staff
associated with international organisations, and by
local community members. Many children who have
returned after years of displacement, child soldiering
and separation from their families face the additional
challenges of reintegrating into their communities.
The children’s clubs provide training in children’s rights
and encourage members to actively participate in
decision-making. Children are made aware of the risks
they face and how to prevent and respond to them.
Girls and boys work together to explore the problems
they encounter and try to come up with solutions.
“The presence of the children’s groups is acting as a
major deterrent for abuse.”
(Teenage boy, Southern Sudan)
The clubs also provide a much-needed safe space for
children to play. Children are supported with organised
sports and cultural activities, including traditional songs
and dances that reconnect those who have returned
with their communities and heritage.They have also
visited other children’s clubs, in different parts of the
country, and brought greater understanding about the
lives of children from different tribal areas. The encouragement of UN Personnel to become involved in these club's operations have proved key to decreasing the distrust many of these children bring"