what we do

Our thematic areas

Child Protection and Rights Advocacy

CICR's child protection efforts are centered on the holistic development and safeguarding of children's rights. Education about child rights and protection is disseminated at various levels and among different stakeholders, ensuring broad-based awareness and advocacy. To provide safe learning environments, CICR creates secure spaces for children in schools, hospitals, and community centers. Confidence-building programs are another crucial aspect, with activities such as walks, sessions, campaigns, and training designed to boost children's self-esteem and resilience. Moreover, CICR fosters leadership skills by establishing children's groups, empowering young individuals to become advocates for their own rights and the rights of their peers.

Our efforts include:

  • Training teachers and caregivers on child rights and safeguarding

  • Establishing child-friendly schools and community-based protection structures

  • Promoting inclusive education for girls

Women Empowerment

The Women Empowerment theme of CICR focuses on promoting women's leadership and participation in democratic processes and culture. This is achieved through capacity-building activities that equip women and community groups with the skills and knowledge to engage effectively with government and other stakeholders. By doing so, women are better positioned to secure their constitutional and legal social, economic, and political rights. CICR also works directly with state institutions to create an environment that guarantees these rights. Additionally, efforts to enhance women's income generation skills through capacity building and microcredit initiatives are prioritized. The formation and training of local women's groups further strengthen these efforts, fostering a supportive network for ongoing empowerment.

Activities include:

  • Formation and strengthening of women’s groups

  • Training in kitchen gardening, poultry rearing, and honey processing

  • Support for clean energy solutions and small business development

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

We are improving access to clean water and sanitation in underserved rural communities. CICR implements school-based and household-level WASH programs that reduce disease, improve hygiene practices, and ease the burden on women and children.

Current programs include:

  • Construction of latrines and rainwater harvesting systems in schools

  • Hygiene promotion campaigns in schools and villages

  • Drilling and equipping of boreholes (e.g., in Tunoyo and Kuyough)

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

To enhance sexual and reproductive health rights, CICR undertakes several critical initiatives. Establishing community health centers in remote areas is a key focus, providing much-needed access to healthcare services for populations that previously lacked such facilities. Awareness campaigns are also a major component, focusing on reproductive health, life skills-based education, and sexual rights to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Additionally, CICR develops immunization programs targeting venereal diseases and other epidemics, significantly contributing to public health. Collaborating with government entities, CICR organizes public health events to promote widespread health education and services, ensuring that these efforts reach as many people as possible.

Ending Harmful Cultural Practices

We lead grassroots campaigns and advocacy efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and gender-based violence (GBV). Through school-based outreach, community dialogues, and partnerships with elders, religious leaders, and health workers, we promote alternative rites of passage and strengthen child protection systems

Key initiatives include:

  • Together We End FGM – supported by Zinduka e.V. and The Rainworkers

  • Community awareness forums and safe space creation for girls

  • Legal awareness and referral pathways for survivors of GBV

Girl-child Education and Protection

CICR is dedicated to promoting and protecting the education of the girl-child, recognizing its critical importance for societal development. Efforts in this thematic area begin with advocacy and awareness campaigns that highlight the benefits of educating girls and the barriers they face, such as early marriage, gender-based violence, and economic constraints. CICR works to ensure that schools are safe and conducive to learning by implementing programs that address these barriers, including scholarships for vulnerable girls, provision of school supplies, and the construction of secure, girl-friendly sanitation facilities. Additionally, CICR offers mentorship and life skills training to empower girls and build their confidence. Protection measures are also a key component, with CICR working to enforce child protection laws, provide counseling services, and support the establishment of child protection committees in schools and communities. Through these comprehensive efforts, CICR aims to create an environment where every girl has the opportunity to receive a quality education and realize her full potential.

Environmental Conservation and Climate Resilience

CICR promotes sustainable environmental practices that protect local ecosystems and support climate-resilient livelihoods. Our projects combine conservation with economic empowerment—especially for women and youth.

Highlights include:

  • Tree planting and nursery development through Trees for Resilience

  • Clean cooking technology distribution to reduce deforestation

  • Community training on climate-smart agriculture and natural resource management