I CAN South Sudan (ICSS) implements community-based Child Protection programs aimed at promoting the safety, well-being, and development of refugee and host community children across its areas of operation. The programs focus on strengthening community-led child protection mechanisms, enhancing psychosocial well-being, and ensuring the inclusion of children with disabilities in all interventions.

Through safe and child-friendly spaces, ICSS provides structured recreational and learning activities that foster healing, inclusion, and resilience among children affected by conflict and displacement. These interventions are designed to uphold children’s rights, prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and empower children to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

Core Areas of Intervention

Community-Based Child Protection Systems: Strengthening child protection committees, para-social workers, and community structures to identify, refer, and support vulnerable children, including those at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Child-Friendly and Safe Spaces: Establishing and maintaining safe environments where refugee and host community children can play, learn, and receive psychosocial support under the supervision of trained facilitators.

Psychosocial Support and Counselling: Providing age-appropriate psychosocial support, individual and group counselling, trauma healing sessions, and life skills training to promote emotional recovery and resilience.

Inclusion of Children with Disabilities: Operating four social centers dedicated to children with disabilities, offering inclusive education, rehabilitation, and social integration to ensure equal participation in community life.

Child Participation and Empowerment: Facilitating children’s engagement in advocacy, peer leadership, and peacebuilding initiatives to strengthen their voice and agency within the community.

Recreational and Cultural Development Activities: Promoting music, dance, drama, expressive art, sports, and storytelling as tools for psychosocial recovery, social cohesion, and cultural preservation.

Awareness and Prevention Education: Conducting sessions on child rights, positive parenting, sexual and reproductive health, and protection from violence to prevent exploitation and strengthen family and community-based care.