MEDIA RELEASE
04 September 2014
For Immediate Release
Kidpower Launches First Annual International Child Protection Month in September
Kidpower International http://www.kidpower.org/
has launched an initiative to establish September as International Child Protection Month in celebration of its 25-year
anniversary. Kidpower is a global nonprofit leader dedicated to child protection advocacy to keep kids safe from
bullying, abuse and other dangers — and to empowering people of all ages and abilities with life skills for safety and
success.
"Our purpose is to honour, support and inspire adult leadership to protect children and teens from harm and empower them
with skills to take charge of their own well-being," said Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Executive Director and Founder.
"We are inviting individuals and organisations from around the world to join us in actively committing to the safety of
young people through this initiative.”
for free online resources and ways to get involved.
International Child Protection Month goals are to:
- Increase public awareness of the crucial role adults play as Protectors of Children.
- Support adult leadership in promoting the safety and best interests of children and teens.
- Provide educational resources for how to take positive action.
- Highlight "bright spots" showing how adults are making a difference in the safety of children.
One action that all adults can take is to make the Kidpower Put Safety First Commitment™: "I WILL put the safety and well-being of young people ahead of anyone's embarrassment, inconvenience, or offense!" Teens
and young adults can be encouraged to make this commitment for themselves as well.
Another action for those who have children and teens they are in a position to help is to discuss the Kidpower
Protection Promise™ with each of them: "You are very important to me. If you have a safety problem, I want to know —
even if I seem too busy, even if someone we care about will be upset, even if it's embarrassing, and even if you've made
a mistake. Please tell me and I will do everything in my power to help you.”
"Kidpower provides positive and practical workshops that empower people of all ages and abilities with awareness,
knowledge, and skills. Additionally, it will be a priority each September to promote International Child Protection
Month as an opportunity to learn and share together to increase awareness of what child protection means and the actions
that adult leaders can take to make a difference," added van der Zande.
ENDS