The 2025 Scarlet Sails Training Course on Preventing Stigma, Discrimination, and Violence Against Children
23/06/2025
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“This session has helped me differentiate between what are “good secrets”,which are harmless, and “bad secrets” which could be dangerous if kept and should be shared with a trusted adult.”
”I am very impressed after learning and discussing about how to prevent school violence. I now feel more confident in my ability to protect myself and my friends in the future if I ever face such a situation”
“Through these sessions, aside from learning lots of new skills, I also feel that I’m becoming more open, better at communicating, and more confident in expressing my opinions.”



These are few of many reflections that VSF received following its training session on prevention of stigma, discrimination and violence against children, held over the past weekend (21-22/6/2025). This session not only offered vital knowledge, but also created a safe and supportive space for 35 children to speak openly, be heard, and gain essential skills in order to protect themselves and others.



The training didn’t stop at identifying harmful behaviours – it also guided the children to explore root causes of stigma and discrimination, from gender stereotypes to social norms, such as the belief that “boys must be strong” or “children don’t know anything and shouldn’t have a voice.”


One of the highlights of the training was the set of activities aimed at strengthening the connection between children and their parents – a relationship considered the “first line of defense” against violence, stigma, and discrimination. When children feel safe to share, trusted adults become their first and most important source of support.


The training may have come to an end, but the lessons, emotions, and shifts in awareness it sparked will stay with the children. We hope these experiences will become a lasting part of their journey as they grow up.