Education in Bamenda has faced significant challenges in recent years. Refugee Welfare Association (REWAC), a pillar of support for vulnerable communities in Cameroon, took a significant step towards protecting children, held a crucial interactive session with teachers from Heritage Bilingual Primary and Secondary School, Bamenda.
This session wasn't just about lesson plans and textbooks. REWAC equipped these educators with a powerful tool: the ability to identify and address Gender-Based
Violence (GBV) situations among their students.
"We understand the importance of teachers as trusted figures in the lives of young people," said REWAC's Executive Director, Jingkoh Laura. "By equipping them with the knowledge and skills to recognize GBV, we empower them to become advocates for their students' safety and well-being."
The session went beyond mere awareness. REWAC actively engaged teachers in
mainstreaming GBV education into the school curriculum. This ensures students not only understand what GBV is, but also have the tools to identify it in their own lives
and the lives of their peers.
But knowledge without action is like a seed without water. REWAC facilitated the creation of a vital referral system within the school. This system provides a safe and appropriate channel for students to report GBV incidents, ensuring they receive the support they need.
"This is a crucial step forward," emphasized the Executive Director. "A system like this empowers students to speak up and know they will be heard. It's a message of hope and a call to action for all schools and stakeholders in Bamenda."
The fight against GBV requires a united front. REWAC's initiative with Heritage Bilingual School serves as a powerful model. It's a call for other schools to follow suit, for communities to break the silence surrounding GBV, and for all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and well-being of every child in Bamenda.
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