Learn2Prevent

Visual Education to Combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Sierra Leone

Overview

Learn2Prevent is a collaborative educational video initiative designed to address and prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Sierra Leone. Through a series of short films, the project empowers especially young girls to recognize early warning signs of dangerous situations and make informed decisions to protect themselves.

Objectives

• Raise awareness of SGBV among children and youth, especially girls.
• Depict realistic everyday scenarios through visual storytelling to support early recognition and prevention.
• Provide region-specific support resources, including helplines, safe houses, and trusted local organizations.
• Make the content accessible to all major language groups in Sierra Leone by offering voiceovers in Krio and local tribal languages.

Partners

This is not a single-organization initiative, but a collective effort involving many local and international actors. The production is led by German filmmaker John Kranert, in collaboration with:

• Sierra Leone Adult Education Association (SLADEA)
• Cotton Tree Foundation Sierra Leone (CTF SL)
• Boi-Kambeh Nursery and Preparatory Schools

Numerous local and international NGOs, as well as various government ministries and institutions in Sierra Leone, are collaborators for the distribution and use of the educational videos in their projects.

Implementation: Languages & Accessibility

The videos will initially be produced in Krio, with voiceovers by local talents in Mende and Temne. Each film ends with district-specific information, including QR codes, helplines, and trusted local contacts, tailored to the region where the video is shown.

To ensure the content is truly accessible to all communities, we plan to produce voiceovers in all other tribal languages of Sierra Leone as well—provided sufficient funding is secured. This will help ensure that children and youth across the country can engage with the content in their native language.

The films are designed for use in:

• Schools (including government and non-government schools)
• Remote learning environments
• Community events and awareness campaigns
• Workshops and educational film nights
• Help centers and outreach programs
• Parents and children engagement sessions

Each screening is encouraged to be accompanied by professional facilitators who guide reflective discussions and support learning outcomes for young viewers. However, the videos are also designed to speak for themselves—empowering and informing viewers even without an accompanying event.

Integration & Dissemination

The Learn2Prevent films will be actively integrated into existing projects run by the entities who are collaborating with us—including local charities, NGOs, and government partners. Special attention is given to reaching diverse target groups and ensuring relevance through:

• Use in workshops, community events, and awareness sessions
• Engagement with children, parents, teachers, and community leaders
• Implementation across both government and non-government schools, including remote areas

Content Co-Creation

To ensure authenticity and relevance, partners actively support:

• The selection and refinement of themes and storylines
• Adapting content to reflect the real-life conditions and cultural realities on the ground

Strong Closing Messages

Each video concludes with short, powerful messages delivered by:

• Ministers
• CEOs
• Other respected community figures

These messages emphasize:

• A clear stance: Sexual abuse is prohibited
• Reference to legal consequences (e.g., imprisonment)
• A strong appeal to communities to rethink harmful norms
• Concrete references to available support and organizations
• Encouragement to victims: You are not alone

Timeline

All educational films are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

Reach & Impact

With strong support from NGOs and government bodies, Learn2Prevent will be distributed nationwide, promoting and supporting prevention, dialogue, and empowerment across all communities in Sierra Leone. The videos will also be published on our website, shared across social media channels, and distributed via WhatsApp to ensure maximum reach, even in remote or low-connectivity areas.