This project will allow over 3,000 Uruguayan adolescents in 12 different departments of the country from an array of socioeconomic classes to come together and defend their rights. These adolescents are taught about their rights, how identify mistreatment and abuse in their homes and schools, and are given tools to actively defend children's rights in Uruguay through a public awareness campaign.
85% of Uruguayan parents report having used violence against their children. And most of it goes unnoticed. Or ignored. Violence against minors in its various forms - sexual, physical, psychological, verbal - are violations of basic human rights. Children are regularly victims of these abuses, as power imbalance makes them vulnerable. Violence learned by children in their homes impacts how they interact in society as adults. Violence generates and perpetuates violence. Unless we break the cycle.
The public advocacy campaign "A Deal for Ideal Interactions" confronts violence, promoting children's rights and healthy interactions. Adolescents participate in workshops to learn to identify violence, resolve conflict, and contribute positively in their communities. These adolescents then become leaders in the advocacy efforts. Through creative interventions, they symbolically "vaccinate" adults against violence. These adults commit to be part of protecting children and reporting violence.
With the campaign, over 2,000 adolescents from 12 departments in Uruguay participate in workshops. These adolescents represent over 200 schools, youth groups, and other organizations throughout the country. Over 60,000 adults - including government officials such as Uruguay's vice president - commit to protect children's rights each. Hundreds of thousands more are caused to reflect when confronted with the campaign's message on TV and radio commercials throughout the country.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
