Protect Them B4 Abuse Begins: Students ages 5-17

We are deeply grateful to share with you the progress and impact of the initiatives we've been working on, all thanks to your generous support.

Our mission is to provide vital support and deliver prevention services to children, parents, teachers, employees, and social workers, empowering them to prevent and combat sexual abuse and bullying.

We aim to flood the Middle East with educational materials on sexual abuse prevention, while providing comprehensive support and services to children, parents, teachers, and social workers. By doing so, we are helping to empower parents, children, and employees in both their homes and workplaces. The tangible difference we’re making would not be possible without your ongoing support.

In this report, we share insights from a few of our recent workshops, which include:

• Raising Digital Defenders: Teaching children in Egypt the importance of online safety and fostering positive digital citizenship.
• Building Heroes: Empowering children in Egypt to stand up against bullying by embracing kindness, courage, and empathy.
• Seeing Through Trauma: Helping Sudanese refugees and their children in Egypt process grief and trauma, supporting them as they rebuild their lives with resilience and hope.

While we are proud of the progress we’ve made, we know there is still much work ahead. Your continued support is needed and greatly appreciated.

With sincere gratitude,
Dr. Laila Risgallah Wahba
Founder, Not Guilty

1. Raising Digital Defenders: Teaching Kids to Stay Safe Online

Project Overview:
In today’s digital age, the internet offers limitless opportunities for connection, learning, and entertainment, but it also brings significant challenges such as cyberbullying. Our recent workshop in Egypt was designed to equip children with the tools to safely navigate online spaces, recognize cyberbullying, and create a positive digital environment.

Key Activities:

• Interactive Discussions: We initiated discussions on the impact of the internet and the importance of online safety.
• Role-Playing Exercises: Children participated in activities that gave them practical experience in identifying and addressing cyberbullying.
• Creative Tasks: Children engaged in creative exercises that reinforced positive online behavior and safe practices.

Impact:
This workshop laid the foundation for these children to become responsible digital citizens. Equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate for online safety and kindness, they are now better prepared to contribute to a supportive and secure online world. 

2. Building Heroes: Empowering Children to Stand Against Bullying

Project Overview:
Bullying goes beyond hurtful words—it’s about the decisions we make every day. During our winter session, we engaged children in a dynamic exploration of the effects of their actions, the power of kindness, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries.

Key Activities:

• Interactive Games: Hands-on activities that allowed children to directly experience how their behavior affects others.
• Storytelling and Creative Expression: These methods helped children explore the emotional impact of both bullying and kindness.
• Empathy-Building Exercises: Activities such as the "Words Can’t Be Taken Back" demonstration helped children understand the lasting impact of their words and actions.

Impact:
Each child gained a stronger understanding of their role in creating a respectful and inclusive environment. The workshop emphasized the power of making thoughtful choices—opting for kindness, courage, and empathy over impulsive reactions. 

3. Workshop with Sudanese Refugees: Seeing Through Trauma

Project Overview:
From March 6-8, we hosted a transformative workshop for Sudanese refugees, focusing on the enduring and profound effects of war and trauma. The session gave participants the opportunity to share their experiences of loss and hardship while also offering a path toward healing and hope.

Key Activities:

• Trauma-Awareness Discussions: We facilitated conversations around the ongoing emotional and psychological impact of war, particularly on children and adolescents.
• Healing and Resilience Exercises: Participants were given the space to reflect on their grief and explore ways to heal from the trauma they have experienced.
• Empowerment Through Storytelling: Sharing personal stories allowed participants to find strength and solidarity in their shared experiences.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop:

• Acknowledging Grief and Trauma: The workshop provided a space for participants to reflect on their losses and engage in meaningful conversations about the lasting impact of war.
• Building Resilience: Focused on helping participants develop inner strength and strategies to rebuild and heal.
• Empowerment Through Healing: Healing is not about forgetting; it’s about learning to live again and rebuilding self-confidence.
• Unity and Support: The workshop encouraged participants to lean on each other for mutual support, building a strong sense of community.

Impact:
The workshop served as a powerful catalyst for hope and healing, helping participants begin their journey toward recovery with new tools and strategies for emotional processing. Continued counseling and children's programs will be made available for these refugees as they are desperate for emotional support. 

Links:

• Facebook page

• Photos of Recent Workshops (PDF)