UNICEF, EU Spotlight Initiative Train Partners to Tackle Gender-Based Violence in Schools and Communities

participants at the training

Staff from Plan International Sierra Leone, SEND Sierra Leone and FOCUS 1000 have completed an intensive six-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme organized by UNICEF under the European Union-funded Spotlight Initiative Phase II.

The training, held as part of ongoing efforts to combat violence against women and girls, equipped participants with practical skills and knowledge to address School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) and promote safer learning environments.

Participants were trained to deliver a range of interventions, including the SRGBV school club curriculum, the Positive Parenting Education Programme (PPEP), and approaches for inter-generational dialogue and community engagement. The sessions also covered child safeguarding and protection principles, gender and social norms programming, as well as participatory facilitation and monitoring tools.

According to UNICEF, the initiative aims to strengthen local capacity to challenge harmful practices and social norms that expose women and girls to violence, particularly in vulnerable communities.

The trained facilitators are expected to cascade the knowledge gained to teachers, parents, young people and community leaders across Falaba, Kailahun and Moyamba districts. This ripple effect is anticipated to foster safer schools, encourage positive parenting practices, and promote community-wide behavioral change.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment, alongside its partners, to ensuring that every child, especially girls, can learn, grow and thrive in a safe and protective environment.

The Spotlight Initiative, supported by the European Union, continues to play a critical role in Sierra Leone’s efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls through coordinated, community-driven interventions.