AdZU CGCO and SAVE THE CHILDREN INC partner to Support Children affected by Armed Conflict
The Ateneo de Zamboanga University College Guidance and Counseling Office in partnership with Ateneo Peace and Culture Institute, Balay, and SAVE THE CHILDREN, INC, funded by Agencia Española de Corporacion Internacional para el Dessarrollo (AECID) The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, sponsored a program with the goal of creating an enabling environment for Children’s Protection and Education in selected conflict affected areas in Zamboanga City. The project was designed to allow increased access to child protection and education support for children affected by armed conflict.
The project was conducted on October 8, 2013 to January 8, 2014. The evacuation areas covered were Sta. Catalina – Don Gregorio Evangelista Memorial School, Mampang Elementary School, Arena Blanco Elementary School, Taluksangay National High School, Talon Talon Elementary School, and Talon Talon National High School. A total of 2,489 children participated in the CFS activities. 80 CFS sessions were conducted with 30 trained CFS facilitators.
The specific objective of the program was to establish provision of psychosocial and education support to children and facilitating the establishment of community mechanisms for the protection of children. The project log frame stated that in setting up and running of Child Friendly Spaces (CFS), at least 2000 children attended Save the Children (SCI) supported CFS sessions. At least 48 CFS sessions were conducted using SCI or partner developed modules. 28 adults were trained to set up and run CFS. The four age group of the target respondents were 2-4 years old, 5-9 years old, 10-12 years old, and 13-18 years old.
Some CFC Facilitators reported that “the children realized that there are other people around them who are willing to listen to their stories, who are willing to be with them, and who are to help them not only in terms of giving relief goods but also in terms of their psycho-emotional needs.”
For more information on this project you may contact Ms Norma A. Baluca – Director, College Guidance and Counseling Office, Ground Floor Room 103 A & B, LRC Building, Ateneo de Zamboanga University. Tel No. 991-0871 Local No. 2223 or 2229
