Child Protection and Culture: Navigating Norms, Practices and Belief Systems
Examines the role of culture, tradition, and religion in shaping child protection risks, and how to design culturally responsive interventions — including on child marriage and FGM — without imposing external models. For child protection actors and community facilitators.
About This Course
This module introduces participants to child safeguarding principles, policies, and practices designed to prevent harm and promote the well-being of children and adolescents in institutional and programme settings. It explores organisational accountability, risk identification, safe reporting mechanisms, and staff responsibilities in ensuring safe environments. The training is grounded in the best interests of the child and aligns with international child protection standards, while reflecting the contextual realities of programme implementation in African settings.
Key Competencies Developed
Analyzing the role of culture, tradition, and religion in shaping child protection risks
Understanding how to address harmful practices without imposing external models
Engaging with communities and religious/traditional authorities as allies
Applying social norms theory and community mobilization tools
Designing culturally responsive interventions to prevent child marriage, FGM, and neglect or abuse in informal education systems
Professional Relevance
This module introduces participants to child safeguarding principles, policies, and practices designed to prevent harm and promote the well-being of children and adolescents in institutional and programme settings. It explores organisational accountability, risk identification, safe reporting mechanisms, and staff responsibilities in ensuring safe environments. The training is grounded in the best interests of the child and aligns with international child protection standards, while reflecting the contextual realities of programme implementation in African settings.
