Protecting Children Against Violence is Everyone’s Responsibility, Papua New Guinea

Kafe Women’s Association and Save the Children have been working in Banana Block settlement in Goroka town to establish a pilot community child protection mechanism.  Violence against children has been a significant problem in this community.  The focus of this celebration will be to raise awareness in the general public in Goroka about the impact of child protection work in the community. It also aims to sensitise the public about child protection issues and to contribute towards making the town a child-friendly place.

A local pastor will say an opening prayer, and local children will speak about the changes they have seen with the introduction of the community child protection work, including training on Positive Discipline for parents and teachers.  The children have received training in music, debating and drama through the work of Kafe Women’s Association and this training will be utilised to present the children’s messages in a creative and interesting way to the public.

Members of the newly created Children’s Clubs, Parents Support Groups and Child Protection Committees will also contribute on the day.  Partner organisations including relevant government agencies will participate and will set up information stalls.

Keywords: Asia, Violence against children, local NGO, positive parenting,