The Right to Be a Child (RTBC) Project Baseline Evaluation was conducted in Pujehun District to measure the starting points for various child protection and wellbeing indicators before the implementation of the project. Funded by the Iceland Government and implemented by Save the Children, the RTBC project focuses on ensuring that boys and girls in Pujehun are safe, protected from violence, and experience improved wellbeing both at home and in school. This study serves as a foundation to track changes in the lives of children over the course of the project, which is set to run from October 2022 to September 2025.
The baseline study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from 300 adolescents, 300 parents/caregivers, and 30 school staff across 10 communities in Pujehun. Key findings highlighted that while violence against children was still prevalent, it appeared to be decreasing, especially in communities engaged by Save the Children’s previous “Say No to Violence” project. A significant portion of the respondents reported feeling safer in school, yet challenges such as corporal punishment and bullying remained concerns. Additionally, the study found that many parents and caregivers were less likely to apply positive, non-violent disciplinary methods, despite recognizing the value of creating safe environments for children.
The study's recommendations emphasize the need for continued sensitization on child protection, particularly in relation to eliminating corporal punishment, and strengthening the role of parents in creating safe and playful environments for their children. The RTBC project’s goals include reducing violence in schools, increasing the capacity of caregivers, and promoting children’s confidence and wellbeing, with a specific focus on gender equality and child rights education. This baseline evaluation provides critical data that will be used to measure the success of the RTBC project and inform strategies for improving child protection in Pujehun District.