Teaching children skills to prevent sexual abuse

Many children experience some kind of abuse when growing up. Unfortunately many don’t report abuse because they fear being harmed by the person abusing them.

Children need to be taught how to avoid abuse and what to do when they are abused.

At a recent seminar dubbed Mtoto Day 2019, organised by Family Kwanza consulting firm in the city, children aged six to 11 were taught how to avoid abuse. They were also exposed to the basics of self-responsibility and the good and bad of social media as well as building self confidence and self-esteem.

One of the seminar organisers, Teodata Mamich, said most children know nothing about sexual abuse and the fact that it can happen to them. “We use these kind of seminars to help them understand this as many parents are not discussing these issues openly with their children,” Teodata said.

The children were taught how to identify and expose people with bad intentions. Environments which may expose them to sexual abuse were also explained as well as where to report if abused.

“Half of the children who attended the seminar have smartphones and ipads. They said they use them to communicate with their friends through WhatsApp and Facebook,” said Bupe Berrums, a facilitator at the seminar.

Bupe said this is the biggest challenge as some may end up reading and viewing inappropriate stuff. “We explained to them the good and bad side of social media and reminded them to use their smart gadgets responsibly,” she said.

A Grade Six pupil from Fortune Nursery and Primary School, Ivy Kibona, said Mtoto Day 2019 was useful because she learnt that receiving gifts from strangers is bad.

Ivy said she will share what she learnt from the seminar with her friends both at home and at school. Another Grade One pupil from Liberman Pre and Primary School, Angel Reweto said they were taught to dress appropriately and not to touch or allow anyone to touch their private parts.