Fountain of Life has launched an awareness campaign in schools within Lilongwe urban on rape, sexual assault and services available. Last Year FOL partnered with Children of Blessing Trust (an NGO that helps and supports children with disabilities) to raise awareness on rape in eight (8) communities around area 25 in Lilongwe which was a success and received positive feedback. FOL in Blantyre also carried out an awareness in schools around Blantyre urban so we thought of doing the same in Lilongwe.

FOL started off at Good Shepherd International School and was immediately welcomed because the school is launching its "Safe Guarding campaign" and so they thought FOL will compliment their project. They were pleased to have an outside team have a discussion with the students because they knew we will be taken seriously.

The younger pupils from grade one (1) to three (3) were just informed of preventive measures and empowered them to report any inappropriate behavior. But overall the pupils from lower grades were aware of what "rape" is. From grade four (4) to Form six (6) FOL used one of the stories from the church tool kit to engage in discussions. The students were very excited and attentive during the whole discussion which took 30 minutes for each session. They participated in answering questions, comments, sharing their own experiences and asking questions. 

We mainly empowered the students to report sexual assault, rape or defilement and informed them of the services available for victims. We were given positive feedback and asked to return to Good Shepherd for more awareness campaigns if any and we will be more than pleased to do so. We will carry out this campaign in as many schools as we can. It is never too late to inform children about rape and sexual violence. Let us protect them by empowering them with knowledge and giving them power to report rape. Let us all BREAK THE SILENCE.