Child Safeguarding and Protection

CHILD SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTION

As a child-centred organization, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of children in our communities.(As it is reflected in our Vision, Mission and Values, which are inspired by the core pillars of Children’s rights as recognised by the UNCRC and the ACRWC (Non Discrimination, Best interests of the Child, Child Participation, Life Survival and Development).

The goal of child protection is to strengthen the protection of boys and girls from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other forms of violence.

In its endeavour of safeguarding children it works with and with the support of esteemed partners such as UNICEF, Oxfam, KindernotHilfe (KNH), US Embassy, CRS Strive Project, UNODC among others, HOCIC is guided by its Child Protection and Child Safeguarding Policies in implementing a variety of programmes targeting the children and the communities.

Our program areas of implementation primarily target vulnerable communities facing significant challenges related to child safety and protection. We have tailored our initiatives to the needs of these areas, we aim to create a more secure environment for all children. In Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, and Midlands Province, in which following baseline surveys and community mapping done by the organisation and partners, children are or at high risk of being subject to various forms of violence, including child sexual abuse. Child pregnancies, child marriages and drugs and other substances abuse among others.

Implemented programs (Previous and Ongoing)

1. National Action Plan for OVCs (NAP for OVC 1)

In 2008 to 2010, HOCIC partnered with UNICEF, the Government of Zimbabwe and other civil society organisations to assist Orphans and Vulnerable Children through the NAP for OVC phase 1 program. The NAP for OVC policy enunciated a six-tier safety net for orphans and vulnerable children in difficult circumstances and supported initiatives of orphans being cared for by the families and their own communities.

HOCIC provided psychosocial support, concentring its efforts on education assistance of vulnerable children in Bulawayo, Umguza and Insiza. HOCIC also offered its support to the establishment of Adult led and Child led Child Protection committees at Provincial, District and Ward levels to build their capacity in basic case management of child abuse. HOCIC also facilitated trainings for children and youth in areas such as bereavement counselling and HIV/AIDS awareness. The organisation assisted children in difficult circumstances with food, clothing and school related needs. (assistance for impacted children.)

1. Psychosocial Support (PSS) program

During Covid-19, HOCIC implemented the Promoting Psychosocial Wellbeing of Children (during Covid-19) (PPSWC) in Umguza, Umzingwane and Bubi. The project utilized community mapping, body mapping, and other child-friendly tools to sensitize children of various forms of child abuse. The program further trained adolescents on making reusable sanitary pads and also distributed soap to adolescent girls between 12 to 18 years. This program impacted 450 young girls.

2. Safeguarding Children against Sexual Violence (SCSV)

The program was implemented in Bubi, Umzingwane and Umguza in 2021. This program was funded by Kindernothilfe (KNH) which managed to create safe spaces for children and parents to discuss on strategies to prevent child abuse. The interventions were informed by the findings of a baseline survey in the areas where PPSWC has been implemented. The findings of the survey (Link to be attached) showed the prevalence of child sexual abuse in the wards of operation. In the SCSV project implementation HOCIC used a peer education approach based on children and youth clubs, Brother to Brother (B2B) for boys and Sister to Sister (S2S) for girls and Family clubs for both males and females. The club were led by the mentors who had been trained specifically and equipped with various knowledge e.g. sexual and reproductive health, self awareness, basic financial and business skills, leadership and facilitation, safeguarding , reporting various forms of abuse and mutual support. The mentors were capacitated to form their clubs and to facilitate weekly sessions with their clubs members using the basic training manuals they were provided with by the organisation. and skills as led by a tewas able to establish children and family clubs sensitizing them on child safeguarding, reporting various forms of abuse and strategies of supporting saviours of child sexual violence.

Our Current Programs

Currently, the organization is reaching out to the lives of vulnerable children through the FSLP, ICSP, CARL, GOLD and SHG programs. Safeguarding issues are mainstreamed following the International Frameworks, Funding partners, and HOCIC’s safeguarding and protection frameworks. HOCIC also has trained safeguarding specialists in the wards of operation who are playing a crucial role in reporting and referring child and safeguarding matters to various service providers.

Through our ongoing and past initiatives, we have engaged with over 20,000 children and their families, providing them with vital information, resources, and support to ensure their safety and well-being.

Impact on children and people assisted.

The impact of our child protection and safeguarding programs extends beyond immediate support, fostering a culture of protection and advocacy for children’s rights. Children participating in our programs report feeling empowered to make their voices heard, leading to increased self-esteem and confidence. Families and communities are becoming more involved in child safeguarding efforts, creating a network of support for at-risk children. HOCIC proudly provides initiatives that contribute to local policy changes, ensuring a more robust framework for child protection.

At HOCIC, we believe that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment. Our commitment to child safeguarding and protection is unwavering, and we strive to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to creating a brighter future for the next generation.