ENHANCING CHILD PROTECTION: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BY BHA, UNICEF CAMEROON, AND TEENALIVE
For children in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, the ongoing crisis has brought immense challenges. Years of conflict have disrupted education, torn families apart, and left many children without the protection they need. Despite these difficulties, UNICEF, in partnership with TeenAlive, is working to create safe spaces where children can learn, heal, and grow.
Through the Emergency Child Protection Response, supported by USAID-Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), UNICEF and Implementing partner TeenAlive are implementing life-changing interventions in five subdivisions and ten communities across the Southwest region. These efforts focus on providing children with child-friendly spaces, life skills training, and case management services, while also equipping parents with Positive Parenting workshops to foster safer homes.
Recently, the project marked a major milestone with a donor field visit to a child-friendly space in Missellele. This visit provided an opportunity for adolescent girls to share their experiences and express how the intervention has shaped their lives.
Melodia, one of the adolescents, shared her gratitude: “I have learned life skills that will help me grow alongside my peers, especially in managing my emotions when someone wrongs me.” Her words reflect the impact of the program, empowering children with the confidence and skills they need to navigate their world.
The visit also strengthened the bond between the community and its supporters. Local council members welcomed the donors with heartfelt appreciation, recognizing their essential role in ensuring that children receive the care and protection they deserve.
As part of the visit, a three-day training session was conducted for community facilitators. The training focused on life skills development to help children build resilience, creating and managing child-friendly spaces where children can play and learn safely, and Positive Parenting techniques to strengthen family relationships and promote a nurturing environment at home. These facilitators are now better equipped to support children and caregivers, helping to build stronger, healthier communities.
Despite persistent insecurity, UNICEF and TeenAlive remain committed to reaching children in hard-to-access areas. Many of these communities, including Ekona, Mukundange, Mabetta Njanga, Upper Costain, Yoke, Missellele, Muyuka, Mutengene, Small Ekange, and Wotutu, have suffered from impacts of the crisis for over seven years due to conflict.
Children here face continued risk displacement, violence, and the loss of education. Without intervention, they remain vulnerable to harm, deprivation, and exploitation. The Emergency Child Protection Response is addressing these challenges by restoring access to learning and protection services, ensuring that children have a safe space to grow and develop. The UNICEF standard Implementation and response package will provide thousands of children in the North West and South West regions with child friendly spaces accompanied by WASH services.
While these efforts are making a difference, more work remains. Children in the North West and South West still face serious protection concerns, with ongoing attacks on protection threatening their future. Every child deserves safety, education, and hope. Through continued collaboration, support, and investment, we can ensure that children in these regions have the opportunity to thrive in a secure environment. Together, we can create a future where no child is left behind.
For Every Child, Protection
Written by TeenAlive, UNICEF Implementing Partner and communication officer at UNICEF
