Awareness Session on the Risks of Child Recruitment in Armed Conflict – Al-Fula City

As part of the Child Improvement and Wellbeing Project, CAFA for Development – West Kordofan Office, in cooperation with the West Kordofan State Council for Child Welfare and with funding from UNICEF, organized an awareness-raising session in Al-Fula City at Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mixed Primary School.

The session focused on raising awareness about the dangers of child recruitment and the involvement of children in armed conflict. The awareness lecture was jointly delivered by Mr. Ahmed Toya, Ms. Amal, and Ms. Aida. The activity was implemented as part of the school’s morning assembly program, following coordination with the school administration and prior coordination with the State Council for Child Welfare in West Kordofan.

The awareness activity lasted for two hours. During the event, the school principal warmly welcomed CAFA for Development, praising the organization’s efforts in protecting children from all forms of violence. He expressed his hope that CAFA’s programs would continue in the school, enabling students to transfer the knowledge they receive to their families, thus contributing to positive behavioral change at the household level.

The session also addressed the risks of unexploded ordnance and war remnants, highlighting their harmful impact on communities, especially children, who may unknowingly play with or touch unfamiliar objects. Families were urged not to engage children in armed activities, as all international conventions, including the Child Act, prohibit child recruitment. Any person under the age of 18 is considered a child and must be protected from all forms of social violence.

In addition, the session discussed violence among children during play and ways to promote safe and positive interactions.

The activity concluded with an interactive motivational competition, in which children actively participated to win prizes provided by the organization. CAFA distributed educational toy kits for kindergarten children to enhance mental skills, volleyballs and nets for upper classes, and footballs with accessories. The volleyball sports program was officially launched, along with football training on the school’s outdoor field.

The activity received positive feedback from teachers and students and is expected to contribute to improved child protection within the school environment. Awareness activities will continue to cover other targeted schools.

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