STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY-LED CHILD PROTECTION AND MHPSS: A HOLISTIC TRAINING FOR CHILD PROTECTION FRONTLINE ACTORS, EDUCATION ACTORS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.

Child protection in conflict-affected communities is a vital issue, as children are some of the most vulnerable during crises and instability. In the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon, these fragile environments expose children to serious risks such as violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, family separation, and interruptions to education. These risks further heighten the chance of trafficking, recruitment by non-state armed groups, and long-lasting psychosocial trauma.

With support from SIDA and technical assistance from UNICEF, and in partnership with TeenAlive, a training was held to strengthen community-based child protection measures, improve Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) skills and knowledge, equip local actors with tools to identify, prevent, and address child protection issues, and establish or enhance referral pathways for children at risk. This effort was a joint collaboration with CARITAS – Kumba, another UNICEF partner in child protection for the Southwest region.

The training assembled 143 key community stakeholders, including frontline child protection workers, education officials, traditional and religious leaders, community health workers, social group leaders, and representatives from MINAS, MINSANTE, and MINEDUB. Attendees represented six divisions – Manyu, Meme, Ndian, Fako, Lebialem, and Kupe-Muanenguba — across 15 sub-divisions, including remote areas like Ekondo-Titi, Akwaya, Eyumojock, Alou, Fontem, Wabane, Bangem, and Tombel among others.

The sessions were based on participatory learning and covered essential topics such as core child protection principles, the effects of violence, abuse, and neglect on children, and recognising signs of psychosocial distress. Participants examined key concepts of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, identified providers of psychosocial support, and discussed how community members can deliver basic psychosocial assistance to children in need. Practical discussions also focused on local practices to prevent and respond to protection issues, and effective referral procedures for cases needing professional intervention.

The critical importance of the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) was strongly highlighted. Participants were advised that PSEA plays a key role in safeguarding vulnerable children and communities. Additionally, every community facilitator is required, before starting work, to complete a PSEA training course and obtain certification prior to officially beginning work to prevent sexual exploitation of beneficiaries. Upholding accountability and maintaining vigilance are essential to creating safe environments, enabling children to seek help without fear.

The role of safe spaces was also emphasised. Through Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) supported by UNICEF and ECHO, recreational tools and group activities are used to help children build social connections and express emotions. These TLS serve as protective environments where children can begin to heal from trauma. As part of the training, participants were encouraged to develop community action plans upon their return, tailored to their local contexts. These plans will help strengthen child protection practices, improve access to psychosocial support, and enhance coordination among local structures. This impactful training has not only reinforced the protective role of communities but also fostered greater multi-sectoral collaboration between child protection, education, and health actors. The training has also equipped participants with tools to create child-friendly, responsive environments. By bringing together stakeholders from remote and vulnerable communities, the training has laid a strong foundation for continued, sustainable action.n.