Safeguarding Children: The Ngourkosso Child Protection Network in Action
Created since 2018, the Ngourkosso child protection network is an initiative of World Vision International in Chad. This network composed of sponsored children, does an impressive work in common agreement with administrative, traditional and religious authorities, and above all with the Ngourkosso cluster's child protection and sponsorship department.
Aged between 11 and 18, the 27 children, including 8 girls, are working to put an end to child marriages, domestic violence against children and female genital mutilation and to promote the education of young girls through debates, mass awareness-raising campaigns and working meetings with the provincial social action department.
According to the president of the network, Mbaisidara Yves, the work of the network consists of being:
"Listening to children. Because there's no one better than a child to listen to others, to share their problems and pains".
Thanks to the network's contacts and confidants, it's easy to identify local children who need help.
In 2020, for example, a young girl was narrowly saved by the authorities from being forced into an early marriage by her parents. The network alerted the local authorities, who put a stop to the tragedy. Today, the young girl continues her studies as usual. For the provincial delegate of the Ministry of Social Action, the role of the children's network is crucial.
"They are our eyes and ears here in Ngourkosso. Thanks to them, we're able to solve many of the children's problems. Children also know their rights and responsibilities," says Masdé Roger, provincial delegate for the Ministry of Social Action.
To carry out their work, World Vision International in Chad supports the network with training in child protection and children's rights, as well as capacity building in awareness-raising techniques. The network is also provided with a range of educational tools and awareness-raising materials.
This year, the network plans to expand its activities to remote villages to help children who are victims of all forms of violence and, above all, to raise awareness among parents of the benefits of sending girls to school.