Monthly Highlights: June 2023
Monthly Highlights: June 2023
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS
2023
Jun
Protect Children in the Digital World.
Objective: Raise children’s awareness of online safety precautions and potential risks associated with using the internet
Sessions Conducted
Matara Ginnaliya Maha Vidyalaya
06/26/2023
93 Students
Ginnaliya
Observations
The students lacked awareness about the causes and consequences of child abuse, including the alarming prevalence of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Through discussions with teachers and principals, we uncovered the urgent need for education on this social issue.
Urubokka National School
06/26/2023
220 Students
Urubokka
Kotapola Divisional Secretariat
06/26/2023
45 Government Officials
Kotapola
Observations
Government officials emphasized the increasing occurrence of child abuse, particularly in the context of advancing online technologies. They expressed gratitude for the program and showed interest in sharing the acquired knowledge within their communities.
Kotapola Divisional Council
06/26/2023
37 Government Officials
Kotapola
Beralapanathara National School
06/27/2023
363 Students
Beralapanathara
Observations
The students’ limited understanding of child abuse and its ramifications became evident during our conversations with teachers and principals. It became clear that online child sexual abuse and exploitation were also prevalent, underscoring the urgency for awareness and preventive measures.
Katuwana Divisional Council
06/27/2023
33 Government officials
Katuwana
Observations
Government officials acknowledged the occurrence of child abuse, particularly in relation to the rise of online technologies. They expressed appreciation for the program and expressed a desire to disseminate the information within their respective communities.
Pasgoda Tea Estate
06/28/2023
26 Employees
Pasgoda
Observations
A significant number of individuals exhibited a lack of awareness regarding the various forms of abuse, particularly sexual abuse, until we shed light on its severity. We also discussed the prevalence of online child sexual abuse and exploitation, along with preventive measures, leading to a greater understanding of the issue.
Bengamuwa Maha Vidyalaya
06/28/2023
156 students, teachers, and principals
Bengamuwa
Observations
Our interactions with students, teachers, and principals highlighted a prevailing lack of awareness regarding child abuse and its implications. It became evident that online child sexual abuse and exploitation were significant concerns in their communities.
Pasgoda Divisional Secretariat
06/28/2023
30 Government officials
Pasgoda
Observations
Government officials stressed the alarming rate of child abuse incidents, particularly in light of the proliferation of online technologies. They expressed their appreciation for the program and their intention to disseminate the information in their communities
Samukirana Coop Society
06/29/2023
90 Coop society staff
Beralapanathara
Observations
We organized a program for the Samukirana coop society staff, who comprised of parents in the village. Many participants admitted to a lack of knowledge regarding the different forms of abuse and exploitation. The seriousness of sexual abuse, concerning their own children, resonated with them. One officer shared examples of child abuse in the area, underscoring its prevalence.
Ginnaliya Tea Factory
06/29/2023
29 Employees
Ginnaliya
Observations
We noticed a lack of awareness among many individuals regarding the methods of abuse, specifically focusing on sexual abuse. As we discussed the gravity of the issue, including online child sexual abuse and exploitation, participants began to grasp the importance of preventive measures. Unfortunately, one former factory worker shared incidents of sexually abusing his own 8-year-old child, which were brought to our attention by the factory management.
New Excellent Institute
06/30/2023
40 Government officials
Urubokka
Observations
While a general understanding of child abuse existed, there was a clear need for further knowledge on online abuse and safety measures to protect oneself and others.
Matara Municipal Council
06/30/2023
23 Government officials
Matara
Observations
Government officials emphasized the concerning frequency of child abuse incidents, particularly in the context of the growing influence of online technologies. Their appreciation for the program was accompanied by their intention to disseminate this vital information within their communities.
Social Media Engagement
On June of 2023, we launched a special campaign aimed at increasing awareness on the violence against children. PEaCE combined two aspects of social media engagement. 1) Delivery of tri-language high-quality social media posts and 2) collaboration with various duty bearers on an IG live series to increase awareness.
Social Media Posts Campaign
On 13th of June PEaCE/ECPAT Sri Lanka launched a social media posts campaign to raise awareness on Violence Against Children.
The posts were made in the form of carousels in all three languages, including comprehensive information on each respective topic.
Social Media IG Live series
As part of the social media campaign on Violence Against Children. We launched a series of IG lives with various stakeholders. These lives helped the audience better understand the topics related to Violence Against Children, especially in the Online context.
On the 24th of June PEaCE/ECPAT Sri Lanka in collaboration with CfPS Law School.
We collaborated on an IG Live session with the CfPS Law School to discuss on the topic of Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Sri lanka: A Legal Perspective. The discussion covered the broad scope of our activities in protection of Child Rights and also some of the gaps and loopholes that exists within the Sri Lankan Penal code.
The full live can be viewed here.
