Mission and objectivesUpdate UNICEF works in the worldโs toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents โ and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. The worldโs largest provider of vaccines, we support child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and babies, and the protection of children and adolescents from violence and exploitation. Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and impartial, we are never neutral when it comes to defending childrenโs rights and safeguarding their lives and futures. And we never give up.
ContextIn Guinea-Bissau, the Ministry of Education and UNICEF are working together to strengthen school protection systems, particularly in response to increased concerns around school-related gender-based violence, harassment, and abuse. In 2021, 40 public basic education schools introduced suggestion boxes as a tool for students to anonymously report violence and other concerns. However, limited guidance and coordination have affected the consistency and effectiveness of these mechanisms. To address this, the Ministry of Education (through the Directorate-General for Basic and Secondary Education) and UNICEF are supporting the development of a user-friendly School Guide on the correct use of suggestion boxes. This guide will explain what the boxes are for, how to report safely, and how schools should process and refer reported cases in line with the countryโs official Multisectoral Mechanism for Prevention and Response to School-Based Violence. The guide will be used by school management teams, teachers, students, parents, and local education stakeholders to foster safer, more responsive school environments.
Task DescriptionWe are seeking three online volunteers to support the development of a practical School Guide on the Use of Suggestion Boxes as a safe and confidential reporting mechanism for school-related violence, including sexual harassment and abuse. The guide will target school staff, students, parents, and community members across five regions in Guinea-Bissau. The volunteers will work under the coordination of the UNICEF Education team and the Directorate-General for Basic and Secondary Education (DGEBS), using existing national materials such as the Multisectoral Mechanism for Prevention and Response to School-Based Sexual Violence. Each volunteer will contribute as follows: - Volunteer 1 (Content Development): Draft the structure and content of the guide using simple, accessible language for a school audience. - Volunteer 2 (Graphic Designing): Create layout, visuals, and an infographic based on the official reporting and referral flowchart. - Volunteer 3 (Editing/Proofreading): Review and refine language, ensure consistency, and validate technical and pedagogical clarity. The final product will be shared digitally and printed for distribution in selected schools. The selected Online Volunteers will be provided with background information and material needed to develop the guide. They will not be asked to participate in or conduct/implement the teaching/training and will not be requested to develop content themselves. Online Volunteers will have the opportunity to connect with Education Officer, Child Protection Officer, and Officer from Ministry of Education to contribute to educational initiatives, enhance their curriculum development skills, and make a positive impact on learners' lives.
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