General Report
CHILDREN RELIEF SERVICE (CRS) ANNUAL REPORT
March 2024 – March 2025
"Protecting Children, Transforming the Community"
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Child Protection Achievements
3. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Program
4. Vocational Training for Girls' Empowerment in Hairdressing & Cosmetology
5. Impact Summary
6. Challenges and Lessons Learned
7. Future Plans and Recommendations
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1. Executive Summary
Over the past year, Children Relief Service (CRS) has remained committed to its mission of protecting children, empowering youth, and promoting education in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi. This report highlights CRS’s achievements in child protection, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, and vocational training for girls' empowerment in hairdressing and cosmetology between March 2024 and March 2025.
Key achievements include:
? Strengthening child protection awareness and reporting mechanisms.
? Providing emergency support and trauma healing for vulnerable children.
? Launching and expanding an EFL program to improve refugee education access.
? Empowering 120 girls through vocational training in hairdressing and cosmetology, reducing early marriages and unemployment.
These efforts have transformed lives, ensuring that children and youth, particularly girls, have opportunities for a better future.
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2. Child Protection Achievements
2.1 Child Protection Awareness and Community Engagement
Monthly Awareness Sessions: Trained 500+ community members (parents, teachers, local leaders) on child rights, safeguarding, and abuse prevention.
School-Based Training: Equipped 500 students with knowledge on identifying and reporting abuse.
Public Advocacy Events: Hosted two major events addressing child marriage, gender-based violence (GBV), and child labor.
2.2 Prevention and Response to Child Abuse & Exploitation
Case Management: Assisted 120+ abused children by linking them to legal aid, psychosocial support, and emergency services.
Child-Friendly Spaces: Maintained safe spaces for children to play, learn, and heal.
Emergency Support: Provided food, shelter, and medical aid to children in crisis.
2.3 Ending Early Marriage & Keeping Girls in School
50+ girls rescued from early marriage and returned to school.
200+ girls received school fees, uniforms, and mentorship.
Engaged men & boys in discussions on changing harmful gender norms.
2.4 Strengthening Child Protection Systems
10 child protection committees established and trained.
Collaborations with police, social welfare, and NGOs to improve child protection responses.
24/7 Child Protection Helpline set up for anonymous reporting of abuse.
2.5 Psychosocial & Trauma Healing Support
150+ children received individual and group counseling.
3 child-led support groups created to help survivors of abuse.
Art & Play Therapy introduced for trauma recovery.
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3. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Program
3.1 Program Overview
CRS launched an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) program to help newly arrived refugee children and youth overcome language barriers, enabling them to access education and employment opportunities.
3.2 Objectives
Educational Inclusion: Preparing children for formal schooling by improving English proficiency.
Livelihood Enhancement: Equipping youth with language skills for better job opportunities.
Community Engagement: Helping students integrate and communicate in the refugee camp.
3.3 Target Beneficiaries
Newly arrived refugee children with limited English skills.
Youth seeking employment in English-based workplaces.
Children preparing for school enrollment but facing language barriers.
3.4 Approach
Interactive classes focusing on speaking, reading, listening, and writing.
Context-based learning, using real-life scenarios to enhance practical communication.
Vocational language training, tailored for specific job-related English skills.
Community activities for practical application and social integration.
3.5 Expected Impact
? Increased job opportunities for refugee youth.
? Greater participation in formal education.
? Stronger social integration within the community.
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4. Vocational Training for Girls’ Empowerment in Hairdressing & Cosmetology
4.1 Program Overview
CRS implemented a vocational training program for girls in hairdressing and cosmetology to combat early marriage, unemployment, and financial dependence.
4.2 Training Courses
Hairdressing: Training in hairstyling, braiding, cutting, and professional hair care techniques.
Cosmetology: Skills in skincare, makeup application, nail care, and beauty therapy.
Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy: Business skills, budgeting, and savings management to promote self-reliance.
4.3 Key Achievements
120 girls trained in hairdressing and cosmetology, equipping them with marketable skills.
40% of graduates secured employment or started their own businesses.
Community acceptance increased, as families began supporting vocational education for girls.
4.4 Impact on Gender Equality
? Economic empowerment reduced financial dependence on early marriage.
? More girls gained confidence and leadership skills.
? Families recognized the value of educating and training girls.
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5. Impact Summary (March 2024 – March 2025)
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6. Challenges and Lessons Learned
6.1 Key Challenges
Limited Funding: Resource constraints affected program expansion.
Cultural Barriers: Changing attitudes towards gender roles and education took time.
Security Risks: Some areas faced child protection challenges due to instability.
6.2 Lessons Learned
Community involvement is crucial for long-term success.
Partnerships with authorities enhance program effectiveness.
Continuous monitoring ensures sustainable impact.
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7. Future Plans & Recommendations
7.1 Plans for 2025
? Expand child protection outreach to reach 2,500+ children.
? Strengthen partnerships for more legal and psychosocial support.
? Increase EFL program enrollment to 200+ students.
? Enhance vocational training, focusing on more income-generating skills.
7.2 Call for Support & Partnerships
CRS seeks funding, technical expertise, and collaboration to expand these programs. Partners can support through:
? Financial grants for child protection, education, and vocational training.
? Educational materials & equipment for language and skills training.
? Volunteer experts for mentoring and capacity building.
CRS Project Highlights (March 2024 – March 2025)
Children Relief Service (CRS) has made significant strides in empowering refugee youth through English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education and vocational training for girls in hairdressing and cosmetology.
? EFL Program: Over 500 refugee children and youth gained English skills, improving access to education and employment. The program helped newly arrived refugees integrate into school and the community.
? Vocational Training for Girls: CRS trained 120 girls in hairdressing and cosmetology, equipping them with marketable skills to achieve financial independence. 40% of graduates secured jobs or started businesses, reducing early marriage risks
These initiatives have transformed lives by enhancing education, employment, and gender equality within Dzaleka Refugee Camp. CRS continues to seek partnerships to expand its impact.
Lessons Learned & Best Practices from CRS Projects (March 2024 – March 2025)
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Community Involvement is Key: Engaging the community in both the EFL program and vocational training has been essential for success. Active participation from parents, local leaders, and refugee youth has fostered a sense of ownership, ensuring greater commitment to program goals.
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Tailored Approaches Yield Better Results: The adaptation of curriculum in both English and vocational training to suit the specific needs of refugees proved highly effective. For example, contextualizing English lessons with real-life scenarios relevant to camp life made learning more engaging and practical. Similarly, the focus on hairdressing and cosmetology empowered girls with skills directly aligned with local market demands.
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Gender Sensitivity and Empowerment: Training girls in traditionally male-dominated fields helped to break gender stereotypes. Empowering girls with marketable skills reduced the risks of early marriage and exploitation, demonstrating the importance of gender-inclusive education in conflict zones.
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Strong Monitoring and Feedback Mechanisms: Continuous assessment through feedback from participants and instructors allowed CRS to adjust course content and teaching methods in real-time. This flexibility enhanced learning outcomes.
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Building Partnerships: Collaborative efforts with local stakeholders, organizations, and donors have strengthened the sustainability of these initiatives, and future partnerships will be essential for scaling up the programs.
These lessons underscore the importance of flexibility, community engagement, and gender sensitivity in refugee-focused education and empowerment programs.
