“Child sexual abuse is a problem that affects almost every family, and it is very difficult to solve a problem if we cannot see it.” – Oak Foundation
These words open the international report “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse at Scale: What It Takes”, which brings together the experience of 17 organizations across Europe that are successfully developing solutions to prevent child sexual abuse.
We are proud that Centrs Dardedze and our Džimba Safety Programme are included in this report, prepared by Spring Impact in collaboration with the Oak Foundation.
In the report, Dardedze is highlighted as an example of how a small initiative created in Latvia can be developed into a sustainable, nationwide model. The Džimba Safety Programme began as a project in just a few schools, but today it is implemented by hundreds of educators across Latvia, helping children understand and protect their boundaries, recognize safe and unsafe situations, and know where to seek help.
The report particularly emphasizes that Dardedze’s experience shows that prevention is possible and effective when:
-
children’s safety becomes a true priority for the state and municipalities, not just a well-intentioned goal;
-
the education system is engaged as a partner that actively helps create a safe environment for children; and
-
teachers are empowered and supported to act as safety ambassadors in their classrooms or groups.
The fact that Latvia is one of the 17 countries highlighted in this Europe-wide study means that our work is recognized internationally as a significant contribution to the field of children’s rights and safety. This recognition belongs not only to Dardedze, but also to all Latvian educators, kindergarten and school staff, municipal education authorities, the Ministry of Welfare, and other partners who believe that children’s safety can—and must—be discussed starting already in early childhood education. Thank you to everyone who helps Džimba stand alongside children every day!
The full report is available here: Report: Preventing child sexual abuse at scale • Spring Impact