Last week marked an important milestone with the launch of our first Training of Trainers on Technology-Facilitated Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (TFCSEA) in Windhoek, Namibia. It represents more than a year of collaborative development between CHI and seven African child helplines, made possible through the Voice Up Africa project with the generous support of Safe Online.
Hosted by Lifeline Childline Namibia, the training brought together dedicated frontline professionals committed to strengthening their response to technology-facilitated harm.
The training was led by Bhavna Lutchman, Online Counselling Project Manager, and Kapesi Chakuwamba, Operations Manager from Childline South Africa.
A Training Programme Built for Child Helplines
The newly developed Training of Trainers includes five modules tailored specifically to child helplines and the realities of responding to TFCSEA. It covers:
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Introduction to TFCSEA
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Legal and Policy Frameworks
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Prevention of TFCSEA
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Responding to and Managing Disclosures of TFCSEA
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Self-Care and Well-being for Child Helpline Professional
This programme is the first in a series of regional Training of Trainers rollouts planned across Africa under Voice Up Africa, designed to build long-term capacity within child helplines to identify, prevent, and respond to technology-facilitated abuse.
"Be confident in yourself. It will also help the client."
Strengthening Trauma-Informed, Child-Centred Support
Throughout the two days of training, participants deepened their understanding of trauma-informed and child-centred approaches. They reflected on how to maintain emotional safety, communicate clearly about confidentiality, and support children without stepping into investigative roles.
These principles strongly reflect CHI’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly Articles 12 (the right to be heard) and 19 (protection from all forms of violence).
Building Skills, Confidence and Care
A consistent theme across the training was the importance of counsellor wellbeing. The self-care module encouraged participants to reflect on sustaining daily habits, avoiding burnout, and modelling healthy behaviour, something many admitted they rarely prioritise.
“Self-care needs to be consistent, not only on weekends.”
Child Rights at the Centre
The training highlighted the realities facing children in Namibia today. Technology-facilitated abuse is an urgent and growing concern, compounded by:
Low digital literacy among caregivers
Stigma and barriers to disclosure, especially for boys and LGBTQ+ youth
Limited public awareness of reporting options
Real cases shared by Lifeline Childline Namibia illustrated that children continue to trust 116 as their first point of contact when they feel unsafe or unable to speak to caregivers.
Innovation and Collaboration in Practice
Several inspiring ideas and models emerged from the group:
Practical prevention initiatives:
Participants proposed a range of approaches, from developing a parental monitoring app and translating awareness materials into local languages, to expanding education through rural radio programmes.
Raising visibility:
Lifeline Childline Namibia’s creative “taxi headrest” campaign was celebrated as an effective way to promote the 116 number in communities.
Embedding wellbeing:
Lifeline Childline Namibia’s “open-door culture” was highlighted as a strong example of organisational care.
Looking Ahead
This Training of Trainers directly contributes to Child Helpline International’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, strengthening the quality of child helpline services, equipping counsellors to respond to digital risks, and reinforcing the central role of children’s voices within national protection systems.
It served as a powerful reminder of the dedication and teamwork of child helpline professionals. They are leading the way in tackling technology-facilitated abuse, ensuring that every child who reaches out is met with empathy, safety, and the support they need.
Laura Holliday
Learning Manager, Child Helpline International
