The overall objective of this project is to protect and rehabilitate child soldiers in post-conflict situations, with the aim of reintegrating them into their communities as productive and resilient individuals who can lead fulfilling lives.
Specific Objectives:
Identification and Assessment:
- To identify and assess the extent of child soldier use in post-conflict areas, including demographics and unique needs.
Psychosocial Support:
- To offer prompt and continuous psychosocial assistance to child soldiers, assisting them in dealing with trauma and reintegrating into society.
- To establish safe spaces for child soldiers to express their feelings, share their experiences, and receive counseling and mental health support.
Education and Skills Development:
- To ensure access to quality education and skills development programs tailored to the specific needs and age groups of child soldiers.
- To address gaps in their education caused by their involvement in armed conflict.
Family and Community Reintegration:
- To work closely with families and communities to facilitate the reintegration of child soldiers, emphasizing acceptance, non-discrimination, and community support.
- To conduct awareness campaigns and workshops to reduce stigma and misconceptions surrounding former child soldiers.
Legal and Protection Measures:
- To advocate for and support legal measures that protect the rights of child soldiers, including their release and reintegration, in accordance with international standards.
- To collaborate with local authorities to ensure child soldiers are not subjected to further harm or exploitation.
Livelihood and Economic Opportunities:
- To offer vocational training and income-generating opportunities to older child soldiers, empowering them to establish sustainable livelihoods.
- To promote economic resilience and independence among the targeted group.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- To establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress and impact of the project.
- To adapt interventions based on continuous assessment and feedback.
Advocacy and Policy Change:
- To engage with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to advocate for policy changes that protect the rights and well-being of child soldiers.
- To promote the ratification and enforcement of relevant international conventions and agreements.
Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building:
- To share best practices and lessons learned with other organizations and stakeholders working on similar issues.
- To build the capacity of local organizations and community leaders to sustain the support systems for child soldiers.
Sustainability:
- To develop a sustainability plan that ensures the continued support and reintegration of child soldiers beyond the project’s duration.
- To promote community ownership and responsibility for the long-term success of reintegration efforts.
