Project Summary
Kusumkali is WHF’s dedicated child protection initiative aimed at ensuring a safe, nurturing, and abuse-free childhood for children aged 3–10. The project focuses on preventing child sexual abuse through age-appropriate awareness, safety education, and proactive parental involvement.
By equipping children with the knowledge to recognize unsafe situations and empowering parents with effective guidance strategies, Kusumkali plays a vital role in building safer homes, schools, and communities across Bangladesh.
Project Goal, Target Beneficiaries & Expected Outcomes
The Kusumkali project aims to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse by strengthening children’s awareness and enhancing parental responsibility. It directly serves children aged 3–10, their parents, caregivers, and community members, ensuring that every child receives protection, guidance, and support. The initiative promotes early safety education, informed parenting, and collective community vigilance.
Rationale for Kusumkali
Child abuse and harassment are pervasive and deeply concerning in Bangladesh. A survey conducted by Manusher Jonno Foundation and INCIDIN Bangladesh found that 95.8% of children surveyed reported experiencing abuse in various forms at home, including physical violence; 55% reported sexual harassment by family members. (The Business Standard) According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 5,203 child abuse cases were reported over four years, with 2,150 child deaths recorded—a stark indication of the severity of the problem. (The Business Standard)
Many children lack the knowledge to recognize unsafe situations (“good touch vs bad touch”), and parents/caregivers often lack training or awareness in protective parenting practices. This leaves children highly vulnerable, especially in homes and schools where abuse may go unrecognized or unaddressed.
Kusumkali fills this critical protection gap by delivering child-appropriate safety education, engaging parents in training programs, and mobilizing communities in prevention efforts. Through these interventions, the project empowers children to understand boundaries, helps caregivers develop safe parenting skills, and builds a vigilant, informed community—significantly reducing the risk of abuse and promoting a culture of protection.
Alignment with National Policies & SDGs
Kusumkali aligns strongly with the country’s child protection frameworks, including the National Child Policy, National Women and Children Development Policy, and the Child Rights Act & Child Protection Guidelines, ensuring safety, dignity, and protection for every child.
The project advances key SDGs such as SDG 3 (Health), SDG 4 (Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace & Strong Institutions)—reinforcing national and global commitments to child safety and justice.
Targeted Outcomes
- Children able to identify unsafe touch and risky situations
• Parents equipped with knowledge and tools to ensure child safety
• Increased community awareness on preventing child abuse
• Reduced vulnerability of children at home, school, and public spaces
Kusumkali: Impact
Kusumkali is fostering a safer and more protective environment for the next generation. By strengthening community responsibility and building informed parenting practices, the project reduces abuse risks and ensures every child receives the safety and dignity they deserve.
Support This Project
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Contact: World Humanist Foundation