CAMELEON's 90 Youth Advocates, and 40 girl survivors of sexual abuse who practice circus, act together to raise awareness about children's rights and sexual education in their local communities in the Philippines. They combine social circus with workshops addressed to children and parents from disadvantaged background in rural areas. They inform them about children's rights, Internet dangers, the fight against sexual violence, as well as sexual education and teenage pregnancy awareness.
In the Philippines, 13 million children live below the poverty line and 1/5 child is a victim of sexual violence. Children's rights and positive parentality are still unknown to many parents and children. The taboo society and lack of information among young people encourage poor sexual health practices and the use of contraception remains scarce. Many public health problems are reported: sexually-transmitted diseases, early pregnancies among teenagers -9% of girls aged 15 to 19 give birth.
To face these problems, it is needed to inform people about children's rights and sexual education for teenagers. Sometimes, it is easier for young people to ask their friends rather than their parents regarding these delicate matters. CAMELEON launched its Advocacy program last 2014, training its beneficiaries who wish to become Advocates of Children's Rights and Health, as well as CAMELEON's Cirquera -victims of sexual violence, so that they become leaders in their community.
CAMELEON's Cirquera and Advocates use their skills to help disadvantaged children develop their self-confidence, encouraging them to become active and responsible citizens and spread the word. Each year, 5,000 children and youth are reached by campaigns about children's rights and teenage pregnancy prevention. Parents, youth leaders and teachers are trained and partnerships are made with schools and municipalities to lead awareness-raising campaigns and lectures, and protect children better.
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