Violence and Abuse on Women,Children in cluding young peoplel.

Save the Children in Sierra Leone
We focused on protecting children from violence and abuse, providing free basic healthcare for women, children and young people.

We're helping children protect themselves
The social and economic breakdown caused by the war has left many children open to exploitation. Young girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse through early marriage, female genital mutilation and prostitution, which for many is the only way to earn a living.

We’re protecting 10,550 vulnerable children from violence and abuse. We’ve set up 27 child welfare committees and 27 children’s clubs in Koidu Town, Villages and Chiefdoms. The committees link with local police and the Ministry of Social Welfare to raise issues around abuse and exploitation. Last year, they helped report 142 cases of abuse involving 262 children. The children’s clubs provide a safe space for children to play and talk, with adults on hand to discuss any problems.

We’ve trained 54 young people (aged 18—25) as ‘mobilisers’ or youth leaders. They support the children’s clubs, and encourage all children to get involved.

We’re saving women and children’s lives
Three out of every ten children born in Sierra Leone die before they are five years old. In two out of every 100 births, the mother dies. People have to pay to see a doctor or get medicines, and many simply can’t afford it.

We’re helping the poorest people get access to free healthcare. We’re supporting 15 Chiefdowms, providing free primary healthcare to 28,172 children. There are also more pregnant women attending antenatal clinics.

We're improving young people's sexual health
High numbers of teenage pregnancies contribute to Sierra Leone’s shocking rates of maternal and infant mortality. Rates of HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the increase.

We’re working with young people in six areas of Kono District including Chiefdoms and Villages to increase their knowledge about sex and family planning. Through our children’s clubs and working with a local partner, the Community Agricultural Skills Training Institute (CASTI), we’ve helped more than 2,000 young people take part in the project. They can discuss their problems and find solutions together, writing and answering letters seeking the advice from a respectable older sisters, about relationships and sex.