Chilaw – Government Officials Training
Client Details
North Western Provincial Council, Puttalam District Secretariat.
Services Provided
Project Timeline
2 Days - Awarenes buiding and workshop.
Project Overview
Search for Common Ground (SFCG), an international non-profit focused on conflict resolution and peacebuilding, has collaborated with the Child Protection Authority of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka CERT (Computer Emergency Readiness Team), the North Western Provincial Council, the Puttalam District Secretariat, and the experts from White Campus to organize a vital training program. White Campus is a leading cybersecurity and digital safety organization that has contributed valuable resources and expertise to this initiative.
This program, held on July 30-31 in Chilaw, aimed to enhance the knowledge, understanding, and attitudes needed to prevent violence against women and children in cyberspace. The involvement of professional specialists with updated knowledge and experience from White Campus has been instrumental in shaping the content and approach of this training.
We are grateful to SFCG and White Campus for their leadership and support in bringing together this diverse set of stakeholders to address this critical issue. Through this collaborative effort, we can make a real difference in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society from online threats and abuse.
The Back Story
According to the information of the research conducted by various organizations, there is a concerning trend of child abuse incidents in Sri Lanka. In March 2023, 85 incidents involving 156 child victims were reported.
The predominant type of violence was sexual abuse, accounting for 26 cases and 28 victims. Negligence followed, with 23 cases and 72 victims. Additionally, there were 18 cases of physical abuse affecting 37 children.
The research also highlights geographical differences, with Gampaha district reporting the highest number of cases (11), while Puttalam district had the highest number of victims (33). There has been a rise in child abuse cases in the Western, North Western, and Sabaragamuwa provinces, though reporting in these areas remains slow.
The data emphasizes the need for comprehensive efforts to protect children from various forms of abuse, including sexual, physical, and emotional. The training program organized by SFCG, White Campus, and its partners aims to address this pressing issue by enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of key government officials in the Puttalam district.
Photos from the Training Program
Collaborative Efforts Yield Positive Outcomes
The successful implementation of this training program is a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment of the participating organizations. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, cybersecurity experts, and child protection authorities, we have laid the foundation for a more comprehensive and effective approach to safeguarding children in the digital age.