The Community of Best Practice (COP), led by its dynamic president Madam Suad Woobay, has officially launched a transformative three-year project titled “Actions to Mitigate School-Related Gender-Based Violence” in Kambia District.
With funding from Purposeful Sierra Leone and the FCDO through the MOVE Grants, the initiative aims to foster safer and more inclusive learning environments for schoolchildren, particularly girls.
The project commenced with the Training of Focal Teachers and Head Teachers on Safeguarding Policies, marking a major milestone in efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) in schools. The training, held on June 14, 2025, represents COP’s commitment to embedding strong safeguarding structures directly within the education system.
Spanning 15 primary schools across the Gbileh and Magbema Chiefdoms, the initiative combines awareness-raising, survivor support, and legal education.
Through bi-weekly school sessions using the Champions of Change module, COP educates both pupils and educators about GBV prevention, encourages open dialogue, and establishes clear, accessible reporting mechanisms.
The project also plays a vital role in disseminating key legislation such as the Gender Laws and the Child Rights Act. By working closely with School Health Clubs and appointing trained Focal Teachers as mentors, COP ensures that guidance and counseling are integrated into school life. The project targets a wide range of beneficiaries including students, teachers, women in the education sector, and out-of-school girls.
The initiative has garnered strong support from district-level institutions and civil society groups. Notable partners include the Kambia District Council, Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Family Support Unit, Rainbow Initiative, Paramount Chiefs, and the Kambia District Civil Society Movement. Their collaboration highlights a united front in the fight against school-related GBV.
Kambia District Council Chairman, Mohamed Abdul Mansaray, commended COP’s leadership and pledged the Council’s continued partnership, describing the initiative as a “groundbreaking opportunity” to protect children and empower schools. His sentiments were supported by the Council’s Gender Office representative, Ibrahim N’boro Kamara, who assured ongoing institutional support for the project’s implementation.
Madam Suad Woobay, whose vision and leadership led to the founding of COP, continues to inspire transformative change in the district. Her foresight in identifying community needs and galvanizing support for strategic interventions has earned praise from stakeholders across Kambia.
Funded at €10,000 annually for three years, the project represents more than a temporary intervention. It is a sustained investment in reshaping the social fabric of schools and communities. COP’s work is not just addressing violence — it is cultivating a future where every child, regardless of gender, can thrive in a safe and dignified educational environment.
As COP leads the way in building resilience and equity in Kambia’s schools, development partners are being called upon to amplify their support and help scale the impact of this critical work.