Safe Steps-1 Project: A Safer Future for Children
About the Project
The Safe Steps Project aims to develop a holistic and sustainable approach to combating child labor in Şanlıurfa and Hatay provinces. The project focuses on both protecting children at risk of child labor and transforming the social and economic conditions that give rise to this risk.
The main objective of the project is to ensure that children grow up in a safe, supportive and developmentally appropriate environment, while addressing the root causes of child labor through families and communities. In this context, the project is implemented with a two-pronged intervention strategy.
The first intervention component directly addresses the needs of children at risk of child labor or already working. In this context, individual support mechanisms are created to respond to the socio-economic challenges faced by children (such as poverty, lack of income, rapid urbanization, low levels of education, cultural norms).
The project provides case management, psycho-social support, life skills strengthening activities, meeting basic needs and referral services to children. In this process, protection screenings are carried out in accordance with national standards; case management and referrals are carried out in full compliance with the relevant legislation, using forms and procedures in international standards.
The second intervention component aims to tackle the root causes of child labor and transform risk-posing environments. To this end, programs are implemented to strengthen parenting skills, combat harmful social norms and raise community awareness.
At the local level, awareness, advocacy and capacity building activities are carried out in cooperation with Provincial and District Directorates of National Education, Turkish Employment Agency, Provincial Directorates of Family and Social Services, municipalities and other stakeholders. Thus, a structure is created that protects children's ties with education, raises awareness among families and strengthens protective mechanisms at the social level.
The Safe Steps Project aims to create lasting change by intervening not only in individual cases but also in the broader social dynamics that shape children's lives. Beyond preventing child labor, this approach creates a strong foundation for every child to step into a safe, healthy and hopeful future.
