Photo by RET

Article by RET NIGER

MARADI, NIGER – As part of its commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights, RET in Maradi organized two targeted training sessions in Guidan Roumdji: one on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) for Child Protection Village Committees (CVPE), and another on child protection principles and mechanisms for institutional and community actors.

On June 24, 2025, twenty-eight CVPE members from ten host villages participated in the PSEA training. The group included both women and men from host and refugee communities, reflecting the shared responsibility of protection. The session aimed to strengthen community vigilance and foster a proactive culture of prevention, reporting, and protection against exploitation risks.

Photo by RET

Participants examined core concepts such as abuse, exploitation, and harassment, and learned about reporting mechanisms, shared responsibilities, and the consequences of sexual misconduct. Practical case studies grounded the training in real-life situations, helping participants connect the concepts to the challenges they face daily.

This initiative underscores the importance of involving communities in protection efforts—helping them take ownership of the issues while also addressing the reality of reduced humanitarian resources and the absence of a constant presence on the ground.

The second training session focused on strengthening knowledge of child protection principles and mechanisms among institutional and community stakeholders. Participants discussed strategies to improve coordination, identify risks, and provide timely support to children in vulnerable situations. Emphasis was placed on collaborative action between local authorities, community structures, and humanitarian actors to build stronger safety nets for children.

Photo by RET

By engaging both formal institutions and grassroots structures, RET is reinforcing the protective environment in Guidan Roumdji. The approach builds local capacity to respond effectively to cases of abuse and exploitation, while promoting resilience within the community.

Through these activities, RET reaffirms its commitment to strengthening community and institutional protection systems, placing people at the center of the response. In an increasingly constrained humanitarian environment, empowering communities to take an active role in safeguarding their members has become essential to ensuring the continuity and sustainability of protection efforts.

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