Zain doubles efforts to raise community awareness on children’s rights

01/12/2024

<b>Zain doubles efforts to raise community awareness on children’s rights</b>

KUWAIT CITY, DEC 01: Zain sponsored the awareness event Our Children's Safety, organized by the Child Protection Office at the Avenues. This two-day event aimed to educate children, parents, and community members about children's rights, while encouraging collective efforts to promote the safety and wellbeing of children

Zain joined the event’s opening ceremony, attended by the Ministry of Health’s Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs, Dr. Al-Munther Al-Hasawi; Zain Kuwait Chief Corporate Affairs and Relations Officer, Waleed Al-Khashti; and Head of the Child Protection Office at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mona Al-Khawari.

Zain's support for this initiative comes under its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Child Protection Office. It is an extension of the collaboration announced in May, where a nationwide awareness campaign was kicked-off to promote the Child Protection Helpline 147. Since 2016, Zain has dedicated this helpline to the Child Protection Office, providing a direct and confidential point of contact for reporting all cases of violence and abuse against children in Kuwait.

The event featured various educational and interactive activities specifically aimed at children and parents, as well as the broader community. These activities focused on raising awareness about the Child Rights law in Kuwait, answering questions related to the psychological, physical, and mental wellbeing of children, and emphasizing online safety and the responsible use of digital platforms.

The exhibition also included a booth dedicated to the Child Protection Helpline (147) from Zain, highlighting its mission, objectives, and the confidential reporting process for cases of violence and abuse. In addition, there were sections for emergency medical services, nutrition, vaccinations, fitness exercises, and educational activities for children.

Zain provided the 147 hotline for the Ministry of Health's Child Protection Office in 2016. It was officially transferred to the ministry recently and is internationally recognized as part of the global child helpline network. The helpline operates 24/7 to receive reports of violence, abuse, and child maltreatment of all forms, ensuring confidentiality and protecting the privacy of the informant in accordance with the law.

Reports are handled by a specialized team from the Child Protection Office, consisting of certified social workers and psychological counselors trained to receive and assess reports, determine their urgency, and notify the relevant authorities for immediate intervention. They also provide psychological support, counseling, and social guidance as needed.

Notably, Zain Group recently commemorated World Children’s Day with its recent ranking as a regional leader for the second consecutive year in the final scores of Global Child Forum’s ‘The State of Children’s Rights and Business 2024’ benchmark report. The ranking reaffirms Zain’s commitment to protect and empower children’s rights across its markets.