Protecting children
Protecting children from harm is at the heart of what Similar Ground does. We believe no child should have to grow up alone, without care, safety, or support. Our work ensures children are protected, nurtured, and given the chance to thrive, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Crises, like conflicts, can have serious effects on children’s lives. Children’s safety, dignity, and healthy growth are at risk. They may get separated from their families, be trafficked, recruited by armed groups, or face physical or sexual abuse. Every year, thousands of children are hurt or killed by explosives and landmines.
Living in conflict and experiencing violence can harm children both physically and emotionally. Many children where we work have grown up in conflict zones.
Our child protection teams work with families, communities, and children to keep them safe, no matter where they are from or where they live. We support children living on the streets, or in refugee camps. We focus on children who are most at risk, like girls forced into early marriage, children separated from their families, recruited by armed groups, or put into dangerous work. We are committed to listening to the children we help and believe they should have a say in decisions about their lives and future.
I never thought I could be happy again, but now I’m learning and growing. With the support I’ve received, I feel stronger and more confident every day. I have hope for my future and the chance to build the life I deserve. I know that I’m not alone, and that makes all the difference.
WHAT WE DO
Supporting children’s wellbeing
Supporting children’s well-being is at the heart of our work at Similar Ground. Growing up in a time of conflict can be very hard for children. We help children feel safe and find a sense of normality, even in difficult situations.
We train Community Facilitators to support and create safe spaces where children can play, learn, and spend time with friends. These spaces also allow us to see what other support they might need. We encourage children to express themselves, helping them build confidence and trust again, so they can cope with and heal from the challenges they’ve faced.
Providing individual support/Case Management
We have trained social workers who focus on helping children facing serious risks to their safety and well-being. These social workers are experts in understanding the challenges children and families face, as well as their strengths to overcome them.
Each child receives a personal plan that guides the support they will get. This could include education supplies, help to return to school, support for the family’s income, or even finding a safe place to live if the child has had to flee conflict. We work closely with local authorities and other organizations to provide these services. This approach ensures that the children who are at the highest risk get the special care and attention they need to stay safe.
Strengthening and Working with communities
We know that children are not alone they are part of families and communities. To keep children safe, we work closely with families and community groups. These groups are dedicated to protecting children by helping to spot children who are at risk and guiding them to the right support.
We also work with communities to understand the dangers children face and take action together to reduce those risks. This can be as simple as teaching children to stay away from areas with hidden dangers like pit, adding lights to dark places, or blocking off deep wells that children could fall into. Working together as a community helps keep children safer.
“I feel important when I get to share my ideas and be part of the decisions. It helps me believe in myself and know that my voice matters.” – A participant under our Peace School Club
Advocacy for Children
At Similar Ground, advocacy is an important part of our work. We aim to influence policies, laws, and systems to make sure that child protection is a top priority. We speak up for children’s rights and work with local governments, national leaders, and other organizations to create stronger protections for children.
We also raise awareness about the challenges children face in conflict and encourage communities and decision-makers to take action to improve their safety and well-being with the protection and care they need to grow and thrive.
