Using peer to peer methodology as a prevention strategy against child abuse

Abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, neglect, poverty and social exclusion are considered some of main human rights violations facing children and youth in Albania. The root causes of these child protection violations are high levels of poverty, harmful perceptions and practices towards children and a lack of effective services and systems to protect children.  

Striving to reduce risk factors and increase protection of children and youth exposed to risks of violence and abuse, Save the Children child protection program in Albania is also working directly with children and youth groups to enhance resilience, to develop their advocacy skills and to empower them to be active participants in their regions.

In the training on peer to peer methodology, as a prevention strategy against child abuse, Youth board members of the two Youth Centers in Cerrik and Kucova, supported by Save the Children, were trained on child abuse issues and peer to peer methodology. This aims to increase their knowledge on different forms of child abuse and on how to transmit this knowledge to their peers. Brainstorming, group and structured discussions, teambuilding exercises, role-plays, presentations, reflections, case studies were some of the main methods used in the training with youth. During the training youth identified violence and bullying among peers as the main issue of concern in their communities. They expressed that the training developed their learning and skills on effective leadership for their peers and has encouraged them to plan for actions against child abuse focusing violence and bullying among peers.