May 2024 was a month of significant strides in promoting peace, empowering communities, and building resilience in conflict-affected regions. Grow Strong Foundation (GSF), in collaboration with the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), spearheaded various initiatives that fostered peaceful coexistence, essential life skills, and psychosocial support. From establishing peace clubs in schools to conducting transformative dialogue sessions, GSF actively engaged children, youth, and women in peacebuilding efforts. Additionally, life skill mentoring sessions equipped individuals with valuable tools for personal growth and community development. Psychosocial support activities, including Child-Friendly Spaces, provided much-needed support to vulnerable children and women, strengthening their resilience and overall well-being.
Community-Driven Initiatives and Capacity Building for Lasting Change
GSF’s impact extended beyond peacebuilding and psychosocial support. The organization made notable progress in community child protection efforts, raising awareness about vulnerable children and case registration criteria. Capacity-building training sessions empowered social workers, stakeholders, and local committees with essential skills in case management, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and socio-economic reintegration. Furthermore, GSF played a crucial role in addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through awareness campaigns, safety audits, and engaging men in prevention efforts. Collaboration with NRC’s Partnerships Manager highlighted the commitment to enhancing partnerships and streamlining operations for greater impact. The month culminated in a joyous celebration of Children’s Day, where GSF reaffirmed its dedication to empowering young minds and promoting children’s rights. Through these multifaceted initiatives, GSF continues to work tirelessly towards creating a brighter future for conflict-affected communities, fostering peace, resilience, and sustainable development. Read the newsletter attached to learn more