East Asia Province promotes Child and Youth Protection
With the aim of protecting Children and Youth in the East Asia Province, the Marist Brothers and Laypeople have held two important seminars in April: A Seminar-Workshop on the Protection of Children and Youth Against Cybercrimes and another Seminar on Anti-Osaec Advocacy to enhance child safety and protection in schools.
Seminar-Workshop on the Protection of Children and Youth Against Cybercrimes
Following the program, from April 28 to 29, around 50 administrators coming the NDEA member schools of General Santos and Allah Valley Cluster and from a private institution, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College (RMMC) met at the Marist Asia Spirituality and Mission Center, Lake Sebu, Philippines, to participate in the Seminar-Workshop on the Protection of Children and Youth Against Cybercrimes.
On behalf of the Provincial, Br. Ernie Sentina, FMS, expressed gratitude to all the participants and enjoined all to continue working for the best interest of children and youth in need. While Br. Crispin Betita shared the policies and protocols for reporting cases.
The program began with the welcome message of Dr. Evelyn Dollete, NDEA Executive Director. Ms. Leann Jester Daus Rosali, Principal of Notre Dame of Marbel University, Senior High School, shared the theme Creating Cybersafe Schools. Br. Crispin Betita shared the policies and protocols for reporting cases. The key Resource Person, Raena Marie P. Asistores, Member of the International Justice Mission (IJM) shared her expertise on The Law on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
Seminar on anti-OSAEC
On the other hand, on April 22, 68 people participated in the seminar on anti-OSAEC advocacy organized by the Child and Youth Protection Desk of East Asia Province, in collaboration with the Notre Dame Educational Association (NDEA) and Misean Cara (Mission Support from Ireland) through FMSI-Rome. The seminar-workshop for student leaders on the Cyber Youth Empowerment Program was held at Notre Dame of Cotabato Instructional Media Center, Cotabato City, Philippines.
The training addressed a wide range of subjects, including Stop Online Sexual Abuse and Child Exploitation Advocacy Program Rationale, Workshop on Reality Awareness and the Urgent Call to Action, Advocacy: Stop Online Sexual Abuse and Child Exploitation (OSAEC), Case Reporting Protocols, Review of the school’s existing Child Protection Policy, Cybersecurity Tips, and a workshop on How Can We Make Schools Cybersafe.
Br. Crispin P. Betita, FMS, East Asia Province’s Child, and Youth Protection coordinator, along with the facilitators and some school administrators, praised this student-led initiative for its proactive approach to child protection and emphasis on empowering young people to take the lead in protecting their peers.
School leaders that attended the seminar-workshop could make their schools a model for other schools wanting to build a safer and more supportive learning environment for children through initiatives like these.
Both seminars were rated successful by attendees, who commended the organizers, facilitators, student leaders, and moderators for their dedication to promoting child safety and protection.