Protection and Rehabilitation of Children Affected by War and Violence

In Afghanistan

I. Summary

This project will provide support and protection for150 girls and boys who are exposed to violence, war and harsh forms of child labor in Kabul the project will have three distinctive but interlinked components of rehabilitation of children through psychosocial activities; vocational skills training; and reintegration of children into their families and communities.

II. Project Background

Kabul is home to tens of thousands of children victims of domestic violence, loss of their parents or war violence. A big packet of Kabul City with most slum neighborhoods is District 13 where around one million people live. These people have rushed to Dashti Barchi from their villages for security reasons. They had come to take refuge but settling in Kabul, the joblessness and lack of urban skills pushed them to slum areas. Among these families living in slum areas of District 13 are thousands of children who live without schooling, many have lost their breadwinners and now work on the streets. The situation of these children is of great concern especially when they do not have access to any children protection and development services. Some organizations like Ashiyana that have services for street children in Kabul also do not have any presence in District 13. This area is likely to be completely abandoned.

III. The Action

To address the needs of children victims of neglect and violence in slum areas of District 13 of Kabul City, we propose to set up a child development and protection center providing support and protection for girls and boys who are exposed to violence and harsh forms of child labor in Kabul. The proposed project will have three distinctive but interlinked components of rehabilitation and personal development of children who experienced violence; advocacy for eradication of violence against children, and capacity building among stakeholders to provide proper response for children survivors of violence and neglect. Through this project Rushd will work directly with key government departments in Kabul to increase their awareness of human rights and equip staff member with the skills to provide the necessary assistance and support in response to violence against children. The project will have a comprehensive day program for girls and boys including nutrition, fitness, psychosocial treatment, skills training and connection to community.

IV. Project Objective

The project objective is to protect and empower children affected by war and violence to restart a healthy and meaningful live free from misery, violence and crime.

V.Project Activities and Work plan

The project will address the social, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual needs of children for their healthy development and survival through the following activities and services:

  • Psychosocial including sports, cultural, recreational and creative art activities
  • Vocational skills training including, carpentry, crafts and mechanics.
  • Nutritious food
  • Family (re)-integration.
  • Support in education in government or community schools (enrolment, fees, school materials, uniforms).
  • Follow-up (home visits) and support for re-integrated children, family counselling and support.

The center will function in two shifts. Each batch of children will spend four hours in the center per day over six days a week. The center will be managed by one manager, two social workers and four teachers.

Advocacy for Ending Violence against Children: Advocacy will be done with the parliament members, Supreme Court, police department and other concerned government department to make the law and apply it in favor of abolition of violence against children. All forms of violence against children in the family, schools, on the street and in the factories should be ended. For this purpose Rushd will appoint one focal person to follow the case all the time. The project specifically focus on the following advocacy issues:

-Ban of beating of children in public schools

-Equal treatment of girls and boys in the family by parents

Networking and Coordination:The project will work closely with the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSAMD) and civil society organizations involved in children protection programs such as Save the Children to share the experiences and avoid any duplication. Project stakeholders will be engaged in the project activities through regular meetings and special events.

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