Background and Rationale

Children in Pujehun District continue to face significant challenges, including violence at home and in communities, weak child protection systems, poverty, and limited access to safe and inclusive education. While Phase I of the project achieved notable success—such as reducing violence and improving school environments—many underlying issues persist, particularly at household and community levels.

Phase II builds on these achievements by addressing the root causes of child vulnerability, including harmful social norms, economic hardship, and weak institutional capacity. The project adopts a holistic approach that integrates education, child protection, and livelihoods to create safer environments for children.

Project Goal

To ensure that girls and boys are safe, protected from violence, and experience improved wellbeing in their homes, schools, and communities.

The project will reach approximately 13,036 people/groups, including:

• Girls and boys in primary and secondary schools
• Parents and caregivers (especially women and adolescent mothers)
• Teachers and school authorities
• Community leaders and protection actors

Priority is given to vulnerable groups, including girls, children with disabilities, and those in remote and marginalized communities.

Objectives

The project is structured around three key objectives:

1. Strengthen child protection systems and institutions  
  Improve coordination and capacity of schools, community structures, and government institutions to prevent and respond to violence against children.

2. Enhance caregiver capacity and economic resilience  
  Support parents and caregivers with positive parenting skills and access to economic opportunities to create safer and more supportive home environments.

3. Improve children’s learning and participation  
  Strengthen education quality and empower children to act as advocates for their rights through clubs, peer learning, and community engagement.

Key Interventions

RTBAC II combines system strengthening, behaviour change, and service delivery across three main areas:

Child Protection Systems: Strengthening school safety committees, community child protection groups, and referral mechanisms for gender-based violence.

Family and Economic Resilience: Establishing Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), delivering parenting education (Safe Families approach), and supporting climate-smart livelihoods.

Education and Child Agency: Training teachers, improving learning materials, supporting remedial education, and promoting child-led clubs and advocacy initiatives.

Expected Results

1. Reduction in violence against children across homes, schools, and communities
2. Improved school attendance, learning outcomes, and child wellbeing
3. Increased household economic stability and positive parenting practices
4. Stronger, more coordinated child protection systems at community and district levels

Approach

The project uses an integrated, child-centred approach that connects schools, families, and communities. By combining safe and inclusive education, empowered caregivers, and strengthened protection systems, the project aims to create a sustainable protective environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.