Support Awareness: Child Protection & Safeguarding

Project Overview

The “Awareness on Child Protection and Safeguarding in Pakistan” project by Sanash Welfare Foundation aims to create a safe environment for children through awareness, education, and advocacy. The project is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to grow up free from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Progress Summary

To date, our advocacy campaign has successfully:

• Conducted community-level sessions with parents and local leaders in Sindh to sensitize them on child protection risks.

• Distributed educational materials (posters, leaflets) highlighting children's rights, reporting mechanisms, and the importance of safeguarding.

• Partnered with local influencers and civil society networks to promote safeguarding through social media and community radio.

• Trained staff and volunteers on basic child protection protocols and referral pathways for suspected abuse cases.

Despite financial constraints, Sanash Welfare Foundation has ensured continued advocacy efforts through low-cost and community-driven activities.

Challenges Faced

While progress has been made, we are currently facing significant funding constraints that have impacted the scalability of the campaign:

1. Inability to Expand to Schools:
   Due to a lack of dedicated funding, the project has been unable to initiate awareness and training programs directly within schools where preventive interventions are most needed.

2. Loss of USAID Support:
   The departure of USAID and related funding has negatively impacted the sustainability of child protection initiatives across the sector. Our planned activities for long-term engagement, such as school-based safeguarding clubs and child-led campaigns, are on hold.

3. Community Expectations vs. Resources:
   Communities are now more aware and demanding institutional support for child protection. However, our current capacity does not meet these growing expectations.

Organizational Commitment

Sanash Welfare Foundation remains firmly committed to upholding child protection and safeguarding standards. Despite financial setbacks, we continue to:

• Promote safeguarding as a core organizational value.

• Seek alternative funding sources and partnerships for continuity and expansion.

• Advocate for government engagement to prioritize child protection policies in schools and communities.

• Provide technical advice and capacity building to community volunteers and organizations that can act locally.

Next Steps and Funding Needs

With adequate funding, our next phase will focus on:

• Implementing school-based awareness sessions using age-appropriate materials.

• Establishing Child Protection Committees in communities and schools.

• Training teachers and school management on safeguarding policies and referral pathways.

• Developing a helpline or reporting system in collaboration with local authorities.

Estimated Budget Requirement: $25,000
(To cover training, materials, travel, local facilitators, and basic operational support)

Call to Action

We invite GlobalGiving donors and child rights advocates to join hands with Sanash Welfare Foundation in protecting Pakistan’s children. With your support, we can take this advocacy beyond conversation—and into classrooms, homes, and public spaces where real change begins.