Conflict Resolution Center concludes a training course for mosque imams

Gaza, Publication and Information Unit

The Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution concluded an intensive training course for around 90 mosque imams selected from all the governorates of the Gaza Strip, in cooperation with the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs,

For her part, Najat Al-Jubeiri, the project coordinator, explained that this training course aims to give the imams skills in using social media and community media in order to mobilise around child protection issues in general and protection from the risk of sexual exploitation in particular.

Al-Jubeiri stressed that mosque imams have a leading role in raising awareness among men through the seminars and sermons they deliver in the mosques, adding: "This group is in urgent need of awareness on the subject of protection from harassment, given the absence of a supervisory role by some fathers, who are constantly occupied with their work and leave the task of supervision as one more among the mother's many responsibilities."

The imams praised the Centre's role in addressing such sensitive matters and the efforts it makes to develop the capacities and skills of imams, who are one of the most important pillars of awareness and religion in society.

This training comes within the events of the project "A protective environment against sexual exploitation", carried out by the Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution and funded by the European Union, which aims to make children and parents aware of the danger of sexual exploitation and its consequences for the family and for society.