Growing up without violence

Every child has the right to grow up in a world without violence. But in Cambodia, this is far from reality. In particularly vulnerable areas, it's not uncommon for everyday life to be marked by violence and abuse, both at home and in schools, and it's often adults - parents, older siblings or teachers - who use violence against children.

There are several reasons for what drives violence and therefore the problem must be addressed in as many ways. Together with our local partner Sunshine, Erikshjälpen works with targeted interventions that all, in different ways, aim to promote children's rights.

A large part of the work involves communicating knowledge about children's rights to all the adults around them. It is also about working with different social actors to strengthen children's safety in the public environment and to increase their opportunities to go to school. interventions that in the long term build children's self-confidence and give them a safer growing environment.

Much effort has been made over the years to promote children's rights in Cambodia, but there is still much work to be done. Especially when it comes to engaging and including the child's voice in decisions at different levels of society. Thanks to Erikshjälpen and Sunshine, girls and boys are supported in schools, youth centers and children's clubs to understand their rights - and to make their voices heard.

"Now I dare to tell my mom if I have any problems"

The beatings could come if he hadn't done his homework. Or if he was too tired to help at home. But now, 13-year-old Sereyvat and his mother have a warm relationship based on mutual respect between each other.

Sereyvat's childhood outside Phnom Penh City was long characterized by beatings and scolding. His mother Sokuntheary, who is widowed and infected with HIV, often took her bad temper out on her children, and Sereyvat would be beaten if he wasn't at school.

- Now she has stopped hitting and scolding me, instead she uses nice words and encourages me to do my homework," says Sereyvat.

Since 2017, the family has participated in family support activities and parenting clubs run by Erikshjälpen's local partner Sunshine just outside Phnom Penh City. Here, Sokuntheary has not only received support in her role as a parent or start-up capital to run a small food business, but also knowledge about how her children are affected by a childhood characterized by violence. Something that has paid off.

- Now I dare to tell my mom about my problems and she helps me solve them. There is also a big difference in how I behave myself and I notice that I have become more patient. Before, I often used to fight with other children at school, but now I don't do that anymore," says Sereyvat.

The support of Sunshine and Erikshjälpen has also given Sereyvat the courage to tell his mother if she hits him again, and he now knows his right to grow up in a world without violence.

- My teachers motivate me to come to school regularly. Whenever I have any problem with other students, the principal tells me not to fight with them. He also encourages me to study and tells me to think about my mother who is trying to earn money for my education and future," he says.