Prevent Sexual and Gender Violence in Colombia

Dear Friends at GlobalGiving!

We are happy to share with you our latest report on this project! This project supports children affected by, and at risk of, conflict-related sexual violence and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in the cities of Quibdó, Cartagena and Bogotá by strengthening their capacities to overcome the trauma they have suffered as a result of their experiences and to help them understand how to protect themselves from future violence.

The overall aim of the project is to strengthen the capacities of children and youth at risk of sexual violence, young survivors and their communities, and to contribute to the creation of protective environments through the prevention of CSEC and prostitution in the cities where the project takes place. Finally, the project includes children, adult community members, and public officials to help them identify and prevent sexual violence and CSEC to create these protective environments.

Although the estimated number of children and young people, both direct and indirect, who’d benefit from the project within the approach of the initial proposal was 705. The actual number of CYP that have benefited from it during this period is 1,059. This represents an increment of the 50,21% of CYP who have benefited, including both direct and indirect beneficiaries.

From this total amount, 336children were direct beneficiaries in Bogotá (ACJ): 170 came from educational entities (78 male and 92 female), 135 from local communities (10 male, 118 female, 7 self identified as ‘other’ gender), and 31 children leaders (15 male, 16 female).In the case of Cartagena and Quibdó (CDE): 67 CYP were direct beneficiaries of the project: 49 children (12 male, 37 female) and 18 young leaders, all female.

The teachers involved across the three cities carried out exercises focused on emotional expression, parenting guidelines, and human rights, specifically sexual and reproductive rights.

The CDE program had a significant impact on the educational community in the popular sectors of Quibdó and Cartagena, where the project was especially crucial for teachers. So far,37 women and 16 men have joined the project. They have been part of school governance activities or witnessed young leaders’ interventions in trainings and workshops.

These educators have acquired psychosocial tools and skills that allowed them to address their students' emotional and social needs. This is essential since their emotional well-being influences their learning capacity. Furthermore, the construction of a positive educational environment is strengthened by the close relationship between teachers and students, supported by acquired psychosocial competencies. This contributes to an environment conducive to student learning and personal growth.

We're happy to been able to continue this project thanks to your support!

Regards,