CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS SAFE GUARDING PROJECT
BREAD FOR THE WORLD (BFTW) FUNDED (2023- 2025)
Children and Adolescent Safe Guarding
Project number: A-ZMB-2023-0195
The Children and Adolescents Safeguarding project was a 2 - year project jointly - funded by Bread for the World (BftW) and Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ). It waS implemented in Livingstone, a district in the southern province of Zambia and Mpika, a district in Muchinga province of Zambia. The project aimed to contribute towards the attainment SDG Goal 5 on gender equality and empower all women and girls” through the provision of safe environment both at school and community level.
Project Objectives and Indicators
Objective 1: The support received by youths from their parents or guardians in cases of abuse improved.
Indicator 1.1 YAZ produces 10 case studies of youths receiving support after having been abused (at least 7 of these cases focus on girls), which show a qualitative improvement compared to previous support.
Indicator1.2 The number of school re-entry after child birth for adolescent girls with support from parents/guardians has increased by 20% compared to the baseline.
Indicator 1.3: The number of abused youths who sought for support and received it from their parents’ guardians has increased by 50% (out of which 10% are children with disability) compared to the baseline of 32% for able bodied and 18.1% disabled children.
Objective 2: Parents of abused young people are less inclined to negotiate with the perpetrators after abuse has been perpetrated, and more inclined to demand that they (perpetrators) be brought to justice.
Indicator 2.1: The number of parents or guardians who refuse to negotiate with perpetrators increased by 50% (baseline will be carried out at the start of the project).
Indicator 2.2: The proportion of families that report cases to the justice system increase by 50% (baseline will be carried out at the start of the project).
Objective 3: The future prospects of girls and women from low-income families in particular have improved.
Indicator 3.1 By the end of the project, at least the 144 scholarship students (60% girls and 40% boys) who received a scholarship did not drop out of school and/or graduate.
Indicator 3.2 By the end of the project, at least 10 case studies show that women have started their own businesses that have sustainably improved their economic situation
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS SAFEGUARDING PROJECT
PROJECT IMPACTS
EVALUATION FINDINGS
The number of parents or guardians who refused to negotiate with perpetrators of child abuse was 14.4% in 2023, it then increased to 84 (46%) in 2024 and increased to 133 (76.4%) in 2025 at project end. The trend indicates an increase generally in parents who are not negotiating with perpetrators. The survey showed that we still have some parents (41) that decided to settle outside court due to the lengthy court procedures which are taking over 2 years sometimes for judgement to be passed.
The number of families that took cases to the justice system stood at 14.41% in 2023, the value increased to 84 (46%) in 2024 and stood at 133 (76.4%) in 2025 at project end. This trend had been generally on the increase and has been attributed to the project awareness and sensitization.
All the 144 (86 Females and 58 Males) scholarship beneficiaries who received support did not drop out of school. This entails that the project contributed towards reduced dropouts in the schools with the menstrual hygiene management kits received by the girls largely contributing to improved school performance.
In the interviews with the stakeholders (traditional leaders) they revealed that the advocacy meetings with them on gender-based violence and need for safeguarding was able to bring out the weaknesses of reporting GBV that were in the system. Perpetrators of GBV were being taken to the chief for judgement which was not right because the chief was not mandated to handle GBV cases and the perpetrators were not getting the punishment they deserved apart from paying a fine. Arising therefore from the interface meetings, they were able to understand that only the Police under victim support unit is mandated to deal with issues of SGBV, and the chief can handle cases such as land disputes, leading to SGBV cases being reported to the Police.
In one interview with the guidance teacher and head teacher at a participating school, it was reported that after the project supported them to upscale security for girls threatened with violence, they were improved safeguarding towards the girl children. In this instance, the school that did not have accommodation for the children and as a result the girls were forced to squat in the market as weekly boarders because their homes were, in many cases more that 20km away. They were as a result exposed to high risk of violence in the market because there are bars and brothels there with drunk people. After the project’s intervention, the schools created some space for the girls within the school in form of some class rooms that were turned into dormitories and the girls were brought in school to ensure their safety.
One parent of a child with special needs narrated that “before Youth Alive had a workshop with us, I just used to think it is better to support the ones that can go to school because they will be able to keep me in future, the other one always needs to be taken care of, but after interactions with Youth Alive in the workshops I realised the need to support and safeguard my child, because she is at high risk of being abused.”
Collaboration between the Youth Alive Zambia Counsellors and Victim Support Units, The One Stop centres for GBV and the health facilities led to improved referrals for adolescents that needed medical attention. Arising from this collaboration, 926 adolescents were tested for HIV and 14 were found positive and were placed on Anti Retro-viral Therapy (ART)
The number of school re-entry after child birth for adolescent girls with support from parents/guardians had increased to 10 re-entries (100%) out of 10 pregnancies that were recorded, when compared to interim findings of 2024 at 10 (66.6%) out of 15 pregnancies that were recorded and baseline value of 4(10.5%) in 2023 out of 38 pregnancies that were recorded. The re-entry rates had been showing an increasing trend, while retention in schools within 3 to 6 months of delivery for all the cases in 2025 was 100% for all children.
The number of abused youths who sought for support and received it from their parents / guardians had stood at 44 (12.9%) in 2023, it increased to 252 (77.2%) in 2024, and declined marginally to 145 (76.4%) in 2025 at project end. Out of these 21.8% were children with disabilities. The support the young people received has been on the increase generally especially for the children with disabilities which was less than 1% when the project started.
Children and Adolescents Safeguarding Project 2023 - 2024 BFTW funded Project
2023 to 2024 Narrative Project Overview
Breaking the Silence - Advancing Safeguarding and Support for Children and Adolescents
Building on the foundation laid in the first year, the project continued to evolve deepening its reach, strengthening community systems, and transforming how children and adolescents experience protection, support, and opportunity.
Where the earlier phase focused on awareness and access to services, this phase moved a step further shifting behaviors, attitudes, and systems at family and community level.
The most notable change experienced home
Previously, many cases of abuse were either unreported or quietly resolved within families, often leaving survivors without justice or proper support. Now, a different pattern is emerging. Parents and guardians are increasingly choosing to stand with their children listening, supporting, and taking action. More families are rejecting informal negotiations with perpetrators and are instead pursuing formal channels of justice. This marks a critical cultural shift from protection of reputation to protection of the child.
Through continuous life skills sessions, mentorship, and safe spaces, young people are not only more informed but more confident in seeking help. They are speaking out against abuse, supporting one another, and making healthier life choices. Issues such as substance abuse, peer pressure, and risky behavior are now openly discussed, reducing stigma and enabling early intervention.
Adolescents themselves became more empowered
What began as sensitization efforts has now translated into action. Community members, teachers, and local leaders are taking ownership of safeguarding initiatives reporting cases, supporting survivors, and advocating for safer environments. In some communities, organized support structures have emerged, demonstrating that protection is no longer seen as an external intervention, but a shared responsibility.
Schools and communities became strong pillars of protection
For adolescent girls, the changes were both visible and deeply meaningful
Open conversations around sexual and reproductive health, combined with improved access to services, contributed to more informed decision-making among adolescents. Young people increasingly had access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, with stronger linkages between communities and health facilities. Follow-up support systems also improved adherence to treatment, ensuring that health interventions translated into lasting outcomes.
At the same time, prevention efforts gained traction
Economic empowerment continued to play a critical role in shaping futures
Building on earlier livelihood interventions, more young people and women had been equipped with practical skills and business knowledge. These opportunities enabled them to generate income, reduce dependency, and make decisions that positively influence their lives and those of their families. The ripple effect is evident that economic stability had reinforced protection, dignity, and resilience.
Challenges present in a journey of Impact
Persistent economic hardships continued to place pressure on households, sometimes increasing vulnerability among children. Legal processes remained lengthy and complex, discouraging some families from fully pursuing justice. Additionally, abuse within family settings still posed a significant concern, underscoring the need for continued focus on safe reporting mechanisms and temporary protection services for survivors.
Trajectory of change weathered storms ahead
The project was not only creating awareness it is shaping behaviors, strengthening systems, and building a culture of accountability and care.
Communities that once remained silent now spoke out.
Parents who once hesitated now took action.
Young people who once felt powerless now lead change.
This phase demonstrated that sustainable impact is achieved not only through service delivery, but through ownership, trust, and collective responsibility.
As the project moved forward, the focus was on consolidating these gains documenting impact, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that the systems built continued to function beyond the life of the project.
In the previous phase, efforts focused on keeping girls in school and supporting re-entry after pregnancy. This phase had strengthened that progress. More girls are returning to school with the support of their families, and fewer are dropping out due to early pregnancies. Communities are increasingly recognizing the importance of education for girls, and traditional leaders are reinforcing measures that discourage early marriages and harmful practices.
2023 - 2024
The children and adolescent project was a BFTW funded project implemented by Youth Alive Zambia in 12 schools (both primary and secondary) of Mpika and Livingstone Districts from 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2025.
In schools, a new culture began to emerge
Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds were given the chance to stay in school, complete their education, and build a future that once felt out of reach. For girls especially, support went beyond the classroom. Addressing menstrual health and breaking stigma restored dignity, confidence, and consistent participation in school life. Boys, too, became part of the conversation learning empathy, respect, and the importance of equality.
2022 to 2023 Narrative Project Overview
The children and adolescent project was a BFTW funded project implemented by Youth Alive Zambia in 12 schools (both primary and secondary) of Mpika and Livingstone Districts from 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2025.
In communities where silence often hides pain, a quiet transformation began to take shape
At first, the challenges were deeply rooted limited knowledge about HIV, gender-based violence, and child protection, coupled with rising economic pressure on families. Many young people carried unanswered questions, while others faced realities, they did not have the words or support to confront. Behind school uniforms were stories of fear, confusion, and vulnerability.
Change That started with conversation
Through safe spaces, peer engagement, and community involvement, young people began to speak openly, honestly, and bravely. What was once uncertainty turned into understanding. Knowledge grew, not just in numbers, but in confidence. Adolescents who once hesitated to ask questions were now leading discussions, guiding their peers, and making informed decisions about their lives.
Impact that went beyond awareness
Thousands of young people found a place where they could be heard. Counselling sessions became more than just support systems they became lifelines. Conversations about relationships, mental health, abuse, and identity replaced silence and stigma. For many, this was the first time they felt seen, understood, and supported. And when deeper help was needed, strong referral systems ensured that no one was left behind.
At the same time, education became more inclusive and supportive
Child safeguarding was no longer just an idea it became a shared responsibility. Schools that once lacked clear protection systems developed their own policies, empowering both learners and teachers to respond to abuse and protect one another. Students didn’t just learn about safety they began to practice it, creating environments where vulnerability was met with care instead of neglect.
Beyond the classroom, lives were rebuilt
Communities also began to rethink their relationship with the environment
Young women stepped into economic empowerment, turning small opportunities into sustainable businesses. What started as basic training evolved into real income, independence, and resilience. For many, this meant the ability to support themselves and their families shifting not just their financial situation, but their sense of identity and purpose.
Perhaps the most powerful transformation was this
Young people who once felt powerless began to believe in their voice.
Communities that once avoided difficult conversations began to face them together.
And systems that once did not exist were built sustainably, collectively, and with purpose.
Young people took the lead in creating cleaner, greener spaces planting trees, managing waste, and promoting environmental responsibility. What was once theoretical knowledge became visible action, shaping habits that will last for generations.
Despite challenges rising living costs, climate pressures, and resource limitations the resilience of the communities stood out.
Parents became more involved. Teachers became champions of change. Young people became leaders in their own right.
This is more than a project
It is awareness, protection, empowerment, and hope proving that when young people are given the right support, they do not just change their own lives. they change their communities.
Children and Adolescents Safeguarding Project 2022 - 2023 BFTW funded Project
2022 - 2023
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