By Dr. Laila Risgallah Wahba | Founder
Not Guilty is dedicated to protecting vulnerable children in the Middle East from sexual abuse and bullying through comprehensive education and support programs. Our recent efforts have been focused on empowering children, teachers, and families to recognize, report, and heal from abuse.
Impact and Testimonials
One of the female students who participated in a recent abuse prevention workshop in a Middle School in Egypt shared:
"Your training is unique. Unlike other classes we take, I felt that I have gained something that will benefit me and my future. I did not realize I had the right to say NO to abuse. I discovered that I am special and that I can and must have boundaries. Thank you."
This testimonial highlights the impact of our workshops, where children not only learn about abuse prevention but also develop a strong sense of self-worth and empowerment.
Educational Approach
Not Guilty's workshops are designed to be interactive and engaging, going beyond traditional education formats. We emphasize practical skills such as boundary-setting and assertiveness training, empowering children to protect themselves and speak up against abuse. We also work to train teachers and parents to identify and respond to abuse of all forms.
Challenges and Solutions
In the Middle East, issues of sexual abuse are often surrounded by cultural taboos and stigma, leading to underreporting and inadequate support for victims. Not Guilty addresses these challenges by fostering open dialogue and providing culturally sensitive training that respects local norms while promoting essential protective measures.
Statistics and Awareness
The statistics are alarming: in the Middle East one in every 4 girls and one in every 6 boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 18, with only a fraction of cases reported. Not Guilty aims to increase awareness of these issues and encourage proactive measures within communities to prevent abuse and support survivors.
Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, Not Guilty is committed to expanding our reach across the Middle East, scaling up our workshops and support programs to reach more schools, communities, and families. We are excited to announce the expansion of Not Guilty’s programs to Abu Dhabi, where we will be partnering with local schools and communities to provide abuse prevention workshops and support services. This new initiative will help us reach even more children and families, bringing our proven education and resources to a new region in the Middle East.
Your continued support is crucial in enabling Not Guilty to continue its vital work.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and build a future free from abuse.
Thank you!
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