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Salesians in Sierra Leone Embark on Months of Campaign against Gender-Based Violence

Members of the Institute of Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in Sierra Leone have launched a countrywide campaign against gender-based violence in the West African nation.

In a Tuesday, July 2 report, SDB officials provide details of the Don Bosco Fambul Childline initiative realized and launched in partnership with the Extremadura Agency for International Development Cooperation (AEXCID) and Atabal Foundation.

The initiative aims to “increase awareness on violence and mistreatment of youth, provide support for those impacted, and promote the 525 toll-free lines,” the report indicates about the 18-month campaign that is to “be replicated in each of the 16 districts in Sierra Leone.”

“The campaign includes training sessions for a variety of stakeholders including students, educators, family support units, women and girls, and community members,” SDB officials say.

They add, “Educating these groups about the nature of violence and mistreatment against women and children, how to recognize it, understanding the laws related to gender-based violence, and knowing where to report such incidents is crucial for the well-being and safety of the community.”

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The campaign also seeks to establish a network of support and resources for survivors of gender-based violence as well as “challenge the social norms and attitudes that perpetuate such violence.”

Salesian officials say that the established Don Bosco Fambul’s 525 Childline toll-free number is available throughout the country 24/7.

Over the last four years, SDB officials say in the July 2 report, “Don Bosco Fambul has assisted nearly 11,000 children and youth suffering violations of their fundamental rights.”

Through education, they continue, “Salesians and a large multidisciplinary team of social workers transform the lives of youth to allow them to take control of their own lives.”

Salesian Missionaries, who have been present in Sierra Leone since 2001 have engaged in the mission to rehabilitate former child soldiers through the Don Bosco Fambul Foundation, the July 2 report indicates.

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Youths in the West African nation face significant challenges in accessing education, with learning institution having few teachers and many school buildings destroyed in the war.

“Persistently high illiteracy rates mean that an estimated 70% of Sierra Leone’s youth are unemployed or underemployed,” SDB officials lament in the July 2 report.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.