On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, a meeting entitled “Inter-Community Child Protection Structures’ experience Sharing Event” was held by Help with the support of UNICEF and in coordination with the Department of Labor and Social Affairs of Herat Province.

Elders from 15 districts of Herat, head of councils, Mullas, Schools’ principals, and headmasters were among the participants.

At the beginning of the event, Mr. Mohammad Ali Soroosh, Help Country Director for Afghanistan, while welcoming the participants, explained the social activities of Help and stated that the purpose of the event was to exchange experiences between local elders and councils on child protection structures.

Ms. Ghandigul Tajik, UNICEF Child Protection Officer, while appreciating the cooperation of district elders and council heads in conducting psychosocial programs, emphasized holding wider vocational and technical courses, strengthening the child protection network, and establishing a protection center. Also, she promised any assistance on behalf of UNICEF.

Then, Mr. Abdul Sattar Zarifi, Head of Social Affairs at DoLSA, thanked the participants, Help, and other relevant Organizations for holding this event and thanked the cooperation of districts’ elders and local development councils for sharing children’s cases. He also emphasized and asked for further cooperation.

Mr. Mohammad Naeem Saber, Social Protection Manager of DoLSA, introduced the Child Protection Network to the participants and explained the goals and activities of the CPAN network.

The event continued with group work, some questions were distributed for participants such as; Removing barriers for children to go to school, the role of the community in protecting children, preventing forced and underage marriages, and the disadvantages of underage marriages were distributed, and participants worked in groups to find a proper answer for them.

At the end of the group work, each of the participants presented a summary of the views expressed on behalf of each group.

A summary of what was discussed in this event was given by Mr. Abdul Sattar Zarifi as follows:

• Joint efforts of the government, I/NGOs, and Local Elders to protect children;
• Continuation of cooperation of all stakeholders related to children;
• Appreciation of the proposal to establish a child support center by the government and I/NGOs
• Expansion of Child Protection Network (CPAN) offices in Herat districts
• Continuation of technical and Vocational programs by I/NGOs
• Coverage of vulnerable children at the district level through vocational programs
• Continuation of awareness programs on child protection, especially through mosques, local elders, and development councils

Finally, at the end of the event, proposals were put forward by participants to continue awareness programs by Help local elders and members of the Development Councils.

The event ended with awarding letters of appreciation to local elders, who cooperated with the Help’s awareness team in districts.

Source: Help IT & Public Relations Department