Over 500 local and migrant children across Trinidad and Tobago are leading efforts to end violence and abuse in their schools and communities.
The participants in the Spotlight Heroes Programme are implementing projects in 30 Secondary Schools and in various communities.
It aimed at addressing issues important to them, including bullying, school violence, child abuse, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and anger management.
The venture is designed and delivered by the Heroes Foundation and UNICEF in support of the Spotlight Initiative.
The Spotlight Heroes Programme started in April 2022 to educate and empower children and youth to lead and demand lives free from violence and abuse.
Participants received training in gender-sensitivity, leadership, advocacy, communication, technology skills, and project management, and developed project plans to address problems experienced in their schools and communities.
To date, over 9,000 persons have been engaged in-person in youth-led education and advocacy projects, and over 775,000 have been reached through social media as participants raise their voices to inspire positive behaviour change, safety, and respect for children and youth.
The Spotlight Initiative is a global initiative of the United Nations which has received generous support from the European Union.
Its aim is to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
The Spotlight Heroes Programme is supported by several Ministries and entities committed to safeguarding and protecting children and youth in Trinidad and Tobago, including the Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs), t he Ministry of Education, the Tobago House of Assembly.
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