International Day for Protection of Children

Celebrating Buku Puasa (Breaking the Fast)

Did you know that today-the 23rd July, is the International Day for Protection of Children in Indonesia? Nope? Well dont worry, because neither did I! Perhaps, you were more concerned about the results of the Presidential Election. It was not until I clicked on the 'Google Doodle' at 4.30pm, that I too realized that today was in fact International Day for Child Protection.

Why Does Indonesia Need an International Day for Child Protection?

• To promote education for all children in school
• The chance to have a normal childhood, to play and have fun
• Reduce the phenomenon of child labour and child beggars.
• To bring awareness about children who have succumbed to abuse, sexual and phyical violence, exploitation and discrimination.

The Chance to Have a Normal Childhood
All Children deserve a chance to have a normal childhood. Going to school is where a child learns to play sports, make friends, socialize and develop as a citizen. However, 90% of street children are unable to go to school because they dont have a Birth Certificate. Since 2009, ISCO, together with our partners LAPAM (Education Advocacy for Marginalized Children) has registered over 800 birth certificates for marginalized children.

Reduce Phenomenon of Child Beggars
The problem of child beggars is heightened during the period of Ramadan, when the parents take the children to the Mosque or the Church to beg. ISCO sponsors up to 4 children per household in school which brings economic and social benefits to the family. Our Education Support Program is designed to reduce the 'demand' factors, but more work needs to be done about the 'pull' factors, to stop the public from giving to children,

Raise Awareness About Sex Abuse
The issue of sexual abuse is taboo in Indonesia and has only received media attention recently.

For the children that ISCO work with, we know that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. 

Indonesia does plan to plan to raise the punishment for convictions against child sex abuse.

However, for the children of ISCO, this will not help solve their problem, as criminal convictions is not a practical possibility. In a recent anonymous survey, many children, aged 14-17, reported instances of sexual and physical harassment, problems both at home and in general.

ISCO Foundation can help to reduce the risk of children being victims by raising awareness about the issue of sex abuse amongst the whole community, working with other NGOs and with local officials. ISCO also reduces our children's chance of becoming a victim by providing sex education and offering them leadership training to develop their skills and confidence. 

Keep Them in School!

The best chance for our children to change their circumstances is by giving them an education. ISCO will continue to support them through education, empowering them to finish school, find a good job or continue to university.