Courage over fear: Surviving child abuse and violence

In Barishal Sadar's Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Industrial Zone, the harsh realities of poverty weigh heavily on its residents, where marginalized families struggle to make ends meet. In the face of poverty, many families cannot provide the basic needs for their children, leaving them vulnerable to the perils of an often-unsafe childhood.

 Adding to their plight is the prevalence of harmful social practices such as child marriage, child labor, child abuse, child trafficking, drug addiction, and Gender Based Violence (GBV), which lurk ominously in the shadows. These dangers pose a constant threat to the children of this community, exposing them to a world fraught with uncertainty. In this environment, the need for external intervention is palpable.

 Empowering vulnerable children and adolescents

Responding to this pressing need, UNICEF, jointly with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), initiated the Sports for Development (S4D) programme for vulnerable children and adolescents. It serves as a beacon of hope for these children, keeping them away from violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect in an otherwise bleak landscape.

The S4D programme is not just about sports; it is a lifeline for these children, offering them a sanctuary where they can learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Through a carefully curated curriculum, children are coached in self-defense techniques and are engaged in a variety of sports, including football, volleyball, kabaddi, and swimming. Beyond the physical aspect, the programme equips them with invaluable life skills, empowering them to navigate the challenges of their environment with confidence and resilience. It also teaches them the skills needed to escape hands, grabs, and any other form of restraint.

 Farzana getting trained in self-defense from Tinny, her dedicated trainer in the S4D program, fostering healthy development and resilience against harmful practices like child abuse and gender violence. 

Farzana is one of the participants in the S4D programme. She is a spirited 13-year-old whose determination serves as a testament to the programme's impact. ‘I am learning how to defend myself if someone attacks me,’ she explains, highlighting the newfound sense of confidence she has gained through the programme. She regularly undergoes self-defense training with around 50 other children and adolescents aged 6 to 18, mostly girls, in the open field inside the BSCIC Industrial Zone in Barishal Sadar. For countless others like Farzana, the S4D programme is more than a means of physical protection, it is a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.

Self-defense for a stronger tomorrow

‘May it be in this country or any other location in the world, everywhere children and adolescents face challenges - especially if they are subjected to harassment or abuse,’ says 23-year-old trainer, Nawrin Akter Tinny. ‘Girls are more vulnerable in such cases because they are easy targets for abusers and assaulters. Learning basic self-defense skills has become a necessity, not only for their safety but also for their cognitive and physical development. In addition to building confidence, it helps a child grow into a healthy adult, both physically and mentally,’ she continues.

Providing these children with the right self-defense tools is essential. In addition to keeping them safe, self-defense training gives them a sense of empowerment. Furthermore, it teaches them critical thinking skills and encourages them to take responsibility for their own safety including others'. ‘I will protect myself, my friends, my mother and my sister if someone tries to hurt us anyway,’ exclaims Lamiya, another young student of this programme, in excitement and joy at learning all the seven self-defense moves from the training session.

Through sports, children learn how to practice, lead, and play together. As their health improves, they become stronger and learn how to be respectful to each other. Most importantly, by engaging in these activities, they boost their passion for life. ‘Seeing children's smiles gives a meaning to my work. The impact of sports on children is so magical,’ expresses Tinny with admiration.

 In the face of adversity, programmes like Sports for Development (S4D) stand as a testament to the transformative power of sports, offering a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times.

 Transforming vulnerability into courage

The S4D programme has made significant strides in reaching out to the community in Barishal. Four dedicated trainers, assisted by Community Mobilizers (CMs) and Community Facilitators (CFs), trained 100 participants for four days, of which 70% are girls.  With their assistance, parents, community members, and caregivers are now encouraged to attend awareness and training sessions, fostering a sense of collective responsibility in safeguarding their children's rights and preventing harmful social practices from impeding their growth and development. Since April 2022, the S4D programme has reached nine million people including children, adolescents, parents, and community people across the country.