At Stop Child Abuse (SCA), we know that the pressures of life in a settlement economic stress, shelter insecurity, and the daily grind of survival can create immense strain on families. Last week, we held a vital session in Village 3 of the Kalobeyei Settlement, where we engaged with 100 caregivers and parents to address the reality of Positive Parenting in Crisis.
Addressing the Hard Truths We dove deep into how extreme pressures increase the risk of child neglect and family conflict. Our goal was not just to educate, but to listen to the lived experiences of parents who are trying their best under difficult circumstances.
Participants engaged with critical topics:
- Non-Violent Discipline: Moving away from punitive measures and toward communication-based parenting that strengthens the bond between parent and child.
- Responsible Resource Sharing: Learning how to manage limited household assets to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable children.
- Critical Referral Pathways: Ensuring every caregiver knows exactly where to turn especially for children with disabilities or those facing severe health crises to get the help they need.
Voices from the Community The impact of this session was best captured by the parents themselves:
"Before today, I thought I had to be harsh to keep my children disciplined because of our situation," one mother shared. "I realize now that my anger was a reaction to my own stress, not a reflection of my children’s behavior. Learning these new ways to talk to them has made me feel more hopeful."
Another father added: "We talk a lot about 'survival,' but today we talked about 'growing.' Knowing that there is a clear path to get medical help for my child with a disability changes how I view my responsibilities. I am no longer carrying this burden alone."
Building Resilience Together These stories prove that even in the toughest environments, parents are eager for tools that help them protect and nurture their children. SCA is proud to provide this platform for community dialogue, ensuring that no caregiver is left behind.
We believe that every child has the right to grow up safe, supported, and loved. We are committed to continuing this work, village by village, to ensure that the future of Kalobeyei is defined by resilience, not just survival.
