Each year on November 16, the global community observes International Day for Tolerance. Established by the United Nations, this remarkable day helps inspire respect and appreciation worldwide for the rich traditions and heritages of other cultures and drives awareness for human right and non-violence through education, state-sponsored laws and local initiatives.
Channeling the spirit of tolerance with the Red Cross
While International Day for Tolerance happens once a year, the Canadian Red Cross channels the spirit of respect, acceptance and non-violence throughout the year.
Whether in Canada or overseas Canadian Red Cross Violence and Abuse Prevention programs strive to put a stop to violence, abuse, sexual exploitation and bullying through education.
How to Be Safe!
Violence and Abuse Prevention programs like Be Safe! have helped children in countries such as Sri Lanka and Guyana develop personal safety skills. Through hands-on, interactive activities, Be Safe! teaches children about body ownership, body privacy, personal safety rules and why secrets about touching should never be kept.
Available to children between the ages of five and nine, Be Safe! blends storytelling, songs, games and puppetry to impart valuable lessons and training to children, as well as to parents, teachers and members of the community.
The impact of abuse
Launched in 2007, Be Safe! was developed in Guyana by the Canadian Red Cross in partnership with Guyana Red Cross in an effort to address the growing problem of child abuse and violence. In Sri Lanka, the Red Cross consulted with more than 70 agencies devoted to helping children, parents and teachers before launching the program.
Prior to Be Safe!, research in Guyana found that 87 per cent of children suffered physical abuse at home, in school or in their communities, while eight to 10 per cent of girls and two to five per cent of boys experienced sexual abuse.
How you can help
By promoting violence and abuse prevention education, the Canadian Red Cross helps improve the lives of those in need and build tolerance around the world.
Men, women and children in the international community benefit from the vital programs offered by the Red Cross, but in order to offer the most flexible and dynamic services, the organization depends on help from empathetic Canadians just like you.
If you want to show your support for the Canadian Red Cross and advance the cause of global tolerance, please donate online or at your local Red Cross office today!