You’ve likely heard how mental health is at risk and domestic violence is on the rise amid the mass lockdowns around the world caused by COVID-19, and we’re taking action to ensure the children we help are safe from these and other long-term safety risks associated with the outbreak.
One of the challenges is the closing of schools, community centres and other child-friendly spaces, as explained in a newsletter from our partners at the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF). “Schools, as safe havens, are closed, exposing children, especially girls, to multiple forms of violence and abuse including corporal punishment, sexual violence and labour exploitation,” reads the statement from the Pan-African organization, which promotes children’s rights and well-being through knowledge building, dialogue and advocacy.
At Children Believe, we’ve been working to help provide psycho-social support to families in need during this time through radio programs in Africa and Central America. And, teams in India are having telephone check-ins with sponsorship families, tracking coping strategies for handling the psychological and social distress caused by the lockdown.
The ChildFund Alliance, of which we are a member, is also providing support to families managing stress caused by fear and self-isolation. And, many of our peer organizations are raising their hands to rally support from governments. ACPF is campaigning African governments, the African Union and regional economic communities, along with other groups, to do their part to ensure children and families are safe from long-term impacts of the pandemic.
Visit childrenbelieve.ca/COVID to learn more about our short-term and long-term response to the pandemic and to find out how you can help today.