The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, with the support of UNICEF and the European Union, has launched an innovative approach to prevent violence through community art. The opening ceremony was held on Monday at a hotel in Chattogram city. This initiative is taken as part of prevention of violence against children and women. The final part of the workshop featured 13 community artists with 13 children in an art exhibition.
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Abul Basar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman said, Art can be an element that can help build an integrated and smart Bangladesh.
He said that art is an effective tool for children to express their emotions and thanked the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and UNICEF for taking this initiative. He assured full cooperation to make this initiative a success. Special guest Elisa Calpona, Child Protection Manager, UNICEF Bangladesh said in her speech, “UNICEF believes in the power of art to connect people and build a protective environment for children. This initiative will strengthen a national child protection system down to the village level. The support of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to ensure that this approach is sustainable for every child in Bangladesh is very welcome.”
SM Latif, Project Director of Accelerating Protection for Children (APC) presided over the event and intensified with a quote that a piece of art can speak a thousand words.
He noted that among the many activities of the APC to prevent violence against children, this community art across the country will inspire and encourage children, teenagers and community members to engage in child protection activities. He expressed sincere thanks to UNICEF for such programs to prevent violence.