In a timely and important effort to strengthen the safety and agency of teenagers, Marie Stopes Sierra Leone (MSSL), in collaboration with GADNET, held a comprehensive safeguarding session on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025, at the GADNET office in Freetown.
The event brought together over 15 teenage boys and girls—mentees of GADNET—from various schools across the city. These students, some as young as 13 and others preparing to enter university, were accompanied by adult mentors who regularly guide their development through GADNET’s youth programmes. Representing MSSL were Cyndy Luyi, Octavia Peters, and Aminata, who facilitated the session with sensitivity and clarity.
The conversations that emerged were powerful and, at times, sobering. The students were guided through what safeguarding means—particularly for children and teens—and how to identify and report abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect. Many of them listened intently as scenarios were shared to help them understand the difference between discipline and abuse, between cultural silence and their right to speak up.
One of the more eye-opening moments was when a few students admitted they had experienced situations that made them uncomfortable but had not known whether or how to report it. This sparked a candid conversation around trust, fear of stigma, and how to find safe adults to talk to. The mentors present—including GADNET’s founder and volunteers—played a critical role in reinforcing that their doors are open and their role includes protecting the dignity of the young people under their care.
Another key part of the conversation involved understanding **consent**, especially as students navigate adolescence and begin to experience peer pressure. It was clear that many of them had never had a safe space to unpack these topics. One student expressed relief at “finally understanding that no one has the right to touch you just because they’re older.”
Towards the end of the session, the MSSL team introduced a practical tool to support young girls in managing their reproductive health: the *My Period Tracker* booklet. Each female student received a copy, with a simple walk-through on how to use it to monitor their menstrual cycle and better understand their bodies. The resource was warmly received, with mentors requesting additional copies for ongoing mentorship sessions.
This partnership between MSSL and GADNET reflects a growing commitment to proactive safeguarding, particularly for youth who may be at risk but are often unheard. While much work remains to be done, sessions like this one are foundational—offering education, reassurance, and a clear message: your safety is a right, and you are not alone.
