SORDES (Somali Relief and Development Society) places a high priority on the protection of children and the promotion of their rights, recognizing their vulnerability, especially in conflict-affected regions of Somalia. The organization aims to ensure the safety and well-being of children by protecting them from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. This includes addressing their basic needs and advocating for their access to education, health care, and social services. SORDES’s programs are designed to create a supportive environment where children can thrive despite the challenges they face.

Key activities under SORDES’s child protection initiatives include awareness campaigns to prevent child abuse and exploitation. These campaigns educate communities about issues like child labor and the dangers of recruitment into armed groups. SORDES also advocates for stronger child protection laws and policies at the national and local levels. Furthermore, the organization has established community-based mechanisms for identifying and reporting abuse, ensuring that victims receive appropriate support. Case management and referral networks link affected children to essential services such as medical care, legal aid, and psychosocial counseling.

SORDES places significant emphasis on education and child rights advocacy as part of its broader protection programs. Emergency education services are provided in conflict zones, where formal schooling is disrupted, ensuring that children have access to basic literacy and numeracy skills. The organization also works on long-term initiatives, such as building schools, training teachers, and reducing barriers to education for vulnerable children. In addition, SORDES runs awareness programs to educate children, parents, and communities about their rights, encouraging child participation in decisions that impact their lives.

To further enhance its impact, SORDES is working to expand its child protection networks, ensuring services reach even the most remote and conflict-affected areas. Increasing access to education, particularly for girls and children with disabilities, remains a priority, alongside strengthening community engagement to reduce harmful practices. Plans to scale up health and nutrition programs will provide children with better protection against preventable diseases. Through these initiatives, SORDES is fostering a safer, more supportive environment for Somali children, promoting their rights, and building a brighter future.