World Vision commits to championing and advocating for digital protection towards safe and secure childhoods.
Maseru, 19 June 2023 – Child protection week was celebrated from May 29th – June 5th, 2023, and World Vision International Lesotho (WVIL) commemorated this important event across its different area programs in Lesotho to raise awareness and advocate for the protection and well-being of children.
Child protection week serves as a powerful reminder of the need to safeguard children's rights and create a secure environment where they can thrive. WVIL recognizes the importance of addressing not only physical violence but also the emerging challenges posed by the digital environment. As we celebrate the African Day of the Child themed "The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment," World Vision acknowledges the increasing need to protect children online.
In today's digital age, children face potential risks and threats from online perpetrators. World Vision acknowledges this pressing issue and remains committed to developing platforms and initiatives where children can voice their fears, concerns, challenges, and ideas. By fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment in their own protection, World Vision aims to ensure that children are protected in the digital environment.
"Our commitment to child protection extends to the digital realm, where children are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and harm," stated Motlatsi Taaka, WVIL Community Engagement and Sponsorship Programme Manager. “As we commemorate the Day of the African Child, we reaffirm our dedication to creating safe spaces where children can express themselves, seek support, and actively participate in discussions related to their protection. It is vital that we listen to their voices and empower them to navigate the digital world safely."
As part of the child protection week, WVIL organized a series of activities aimed at raising awareness, promoting dialogue, and engaging communities. These activities included a prayer day in Mphamo Cluster, Fun walk in Mapiko Cluster, School drives in Maro Cluster and community engagements in partnership with the district child protection teams to build capacity for parents and caregivers on ‘Positive Parenting' and other local Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO’s). These events were designed to address the issues of child protection, education on the Ministry of social development child helpline (116), online safety, and the rights of the child in the digital environment.
WVIL invites individuals, governments, and organizations to join forces during the Day of the African Child to ensure the well-being and protection of children. Together, we can create a world where children can explore the digital realm without fear, and their rights are upheld and respected.
ENDS.
Note to editor
For more information , contact:
Lerato Brown, Communications and Marketing Manager, lerato_brown@wvi.org +266 5891 1020
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.wvi.org/lesotho or follow us on Twitter @WorldvisionLS | Facebook @WorldVisionLesotho | LinkedIn @World Vision Lesotho