March 19, 2024, Lalitpur – We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSE). This vital training program was held in Lalitpur, Nepal, from March 18 to March 19, 2024. This crucial initiative, supported by the French Embassy in Nepal aimed to empower key staff members from various provinces and projects across Nepal by providing them with vital knowledge and skills to effectively combat OCSE.
Training Overview:
The ToT was designed to address the growing concern of OCSE and aimed at enhancing the capacity of our staff members, enabling them to identify, prevent, and address cases of OCSE within their communities. Participants included dedicated staff from the Sudurpaschim Province (GOAL Project & Kanchanpur Women Shelter), Lumbini Province (Kapilvastu and Nepalgunj Women Shelters), and Bagmati Province (Children Program, UTTHAN Project, Lalitpur Women Shelter, and Central Office).
Expert Facilitation:
The training was facilitated by Mr. Kapil Aryal, Associate Professor at Kathmandu School of Law, and Advocate Santosh Maharjan, both renowned experts in the field of child protection and legal frameworks related to OCSE. Their combined expertise provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of OCSE, its impacts, legal provisions, case identification, vulnerability and risk factors, reporting mechanisms, and prevention and intervention strategies.
Key Highlights and Achievements:
- Participants gained a deep understanding of OCSE, learning to differentiate between its types and forms, and comprehended the profound impact it has on victims.
- The training shed light on national and international legal provisions aimed at addressing OCSE, enabling participants to identify gaps in the application of Nepali laws.
- Through interactive case study workshops, attendees enhanced their skills in identifying potential OCSE cases, fostering a practical approach to tackling such issues.
- The program emphasized the importance of recognizing vulnerability and risk factors associated with OCSE, equipping participants with the knowledge to protect at-risk individuals effectively.
- An essential component of the training was educating participants on the reporting mechanisms for OCSE cases in Nepal, including legal processes and available support systems.
Feedback and Future Directions:
Participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the training, highlighting the relevance of the topics covered and the practical knowledge imparted by the trainers. The interactive format of the program, including case studies and group work, was particularly appreciated as it facilitated peer learning and collaborative problem-solving.
Building on the success of this ToT, we are committed to conducting follow-up sessions and providing ongoing support to our staff members as they apply the skills and knowledge acquired to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and communities they serve.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Kapil Aryal and Advocate Santosh Maharjan for their invaluable contributions to this training. Our thanks also go to all participants for their active engagement and dedication to making Nepal a safer place for children.
Together, we continue our unwavering commitment to combatting Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, safeguarding the rights and well-being of every child.
