Child Protection
Protecting Childhood, Empowering Futures
Every child has the right to grow up safe, nurtured, and free from abuse, violence, and exploitation. Yet across many communities, children face daily threats—from harmful gender norms to child labour, violence, child marriage, teenage pregnancies, family separation, and lack of access to essential services. We are committed to building a world where every child is protected and empowered to thrive in loving families and resilient communities.Â
Why It Matters
Child protection is not just about preventing harm—it’s about unlocking potential. When children are safe, supported, and surrounded by care, they are more likely to stay in school, stay healthy, and break free from the cycles of poverty and violence. Protecting children today is investing in a more just, safe, and thriving tomorrow.Â
Every Child is unique and so is our approach
1. Gender-Transformative Parenting
We work with parents and caregivers—both women and men—to foster loving, non-violent family environments. Through the ICS SP Gender-Transformative Parenting Programme, we challenge harmful gender roles and address the root causes of violence against children and women. This evidence-based approach strengthens families and promotes respectful, nurturing relationships that help every child feel safe and valued.
2. Combating Child Labour and Exploitation
Millions of children across Africa are engaged in harmful and exploitative work. We are dedicated to breaking this cycle through stronger legal frameworks, awareness campaigns, and direct support for affected children. By equipping families with social, emotional, and educational support, we reduce economic vulnerabilities and restore children’s right to a safe and dignified childhood.
3. Promoting Family-Based Care
A family is the most natural and nurturing environment for a child to grow. We work to keep children out of institutions and reunite them with families through targeted family-strengthening interventions. By raising awareness about the harms of institutional care and empowering local leaders to act, we advocate for family-based alternatives where children are loved, protected, and given the stability they need to thrive.
4. Supporting Family Livelihoods
Poverty is a key driver of child vulnerability. We support parents and caregivers to secure sustainable incomes through access to government grants, skills development, and income-generating opportunities. Strengthening family livelihoods builds resilience, reduces reliance on negative coping mechanisms, and ensures children’s basic needs—like nutrition, healthcare, and education—are consistently met.
5. Child-Friendly Essential Services
Children deserve services that protect their dignity and meet their developmental needs. We work to ensure that health, education, protection, and social services are accessible, inclusive, and child centered. This includes advocating for trained, compassionate frontline workers, improving coordination across systems, and creating safe spaces where children are heard, respected, and empowered.
