Regional launch of the Learn Without Fear campaign

Corporal punishment is one of most seen violence in schools

The launch of the Learn Without Fear campaign took place in Dakar on October 7th 2008 at the Douta Seck Cultural Centre. Local and international journalists as well as Plan Partners and Plan staff came with their children to be a part of it!

As school reopens throughout West and Central Africa the child rights organisation Plan reveals through its newly published global report, that violence in schools has reached alarmingly high levels across the sub-region and is undermining efforts by West African governments to provide quality education to their children and youth.

Children gave a musical presentation.Testimonials were shared with the public:"When I was 12, the headmaster used to give me copy books for free and one day called me into his office, promised me to help me passed my exams and sexually assaulted me" says now the 19 year old Salimata."Afterwards, I was too scared, ashamed, and traumatised to speak out,"she adds.

Pr. Serigne Mor Mbaye, technical advisor to Plan's child protection work in West and central Africa, says "Schools have become a place where children's safety is often no longer guaranteed and where physical, psychological and sexual abuse reinforce each other to negatively impact upon children's well being and learning success."

Plan's Regional Director for West and Central Africa, John Chaloner said :"We have a role , whether as teachers, parents, children, governments, civil society or media, to make sure that all childrencan go to school without fear or threat of violence and that they receive a quality education in a safe and secure environment".

For more information on the LWF campaign: visit here

Pour plus d'informations sur notre campagne "Apprendre sans peur"