Counseling

The delivery of counseling services is an important element of the programs being provided for the target children. It has made tremendous contribution in helping children to bring about behavioral and attitudinal change and build confidence and self esteem.

Health

Most of the health problems being manifested among the children are emanating from poor personal and environmental hygiene. Therefore, the programs of the organization focus on preventive health programs and in educating the children to improve their personal hygiene, to get sufficient information regarding the modes of transmission and prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, etc. Curative health services are also provided for children who need further examination and treatment. 

Education through drama and music

The project employs a range of activities that are designed to enhance the awareness of the community residing in and around the project area in particular and the public at large with regard to the situation of children exposed to sexual exploitation and the part that is expected on the part of society to reduce the problem. Using drama and puppet shows has proved to be the best way to deliver messages regarding health and other issues in schools and the community. It is an interesting and motivating way to attract the attention of the audience more than lectures. Using puppets in describing messages related to HIV/AIDS and STIs is particularly useful as many of the issues can be either embarrassing or difficult to discuss openly. Puppets can present stereotypes without causing offence and through introducing humor into a sensitive subject. The audience can also ask questions after the show.  The drama and puppet education team of the project performs educational and entertaining shows in schools, public gathering places and at different sites within the project area.  

Development and distribution of IEC materials: 

Preparation and distribution of IEC (Information, Education and Communication) among the community, children and families targeted by the project, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and schools as well as other stakeholders is one of the mechanisms through which information and educational messages pertaining to the issue of the sexual exploitation of children is being communicated with the community and the public at large. In this regard, CHAD-ET has developed a variety of educational materials containing basic information on the modes of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS, the issue of children migrating from rural to urban areas, what parents and children need to know to prevent sexual abuse of children, etc.  Furthermore, CHAD-ET publishes a local newsletter entitled “Menaheria” for distributing among the different stakeholders and the target communities. 

Vocational training

CHAD-ET believes that the lasting solution for improving the livelihood of vulnerable children is to assist them meet their basic needs. One of the ways through which they can get out of the problem is through creating an opportunity to get training in marketable skills. Hence, CHAD-ET has made arrangements for hundreds of children join different institutions for short and medium term training in marketable skills and the target groups have been able to either\  start their own small business or get employment.  [Picture of skills trainees and Income generating activities] 

Drop-in-centers

CHAD-ET has established three drop-in-centers in Addis Ketema Sub-city (Merkato) area for delivering different services for its direct and indirect targets in the Sub-City. The purpose of establishing these drop-in-centers is to provide different services to the target children on one hand and to create a place where they can spend their spare time by reading books, play in and out-door games, meet their peers and use other facilities built in the premises of the center.   Given the serious lack of place for children and young people in the area, the establishment of the centers has made a great deal of contribution for protecting the target groups from roaming around the streets and indulge in criminal activities.