Safety Fair

Our staff created the Safety Fair program in 2011, in collaboration with a community in Alto del Carmen, Tres Rios, Cartago. The necessity to create the program came from community leaders, parents and family members strong desire to teach their children how to protect their own bodies against sexual abuse.

Many hours were dedicated to research in order to develop the Safety Fair prevention program. Our staff researched the best techniques and then contextualized the content to explain sexual abuse of children in a format that was sensitive, safe and trustworthy.

In twelve years of conducting these Safety Fair prevention programs and continued research, the Refuge City staff has found that the safest form for children to be educated of their rights and protection should be done in an environment where there is follow up of each and every case and are conducted in a responsible manner with the presence of a psychologist. It is extremely important that every child knows that they have power and a voice that will be heard.

This program is based on playful and engaging tools aimed at children aged 4 to 9 years, seeking to promote and protect the rights of the child in a comprehensive way.

Safety Fairs are a dedicated one day, fun filled event hosted in a safe space, where we celebrate the participation and diverse skills, talents, and creativity that every child possesses. These educational events are deeply committed to raising awareness about the inherent power within each child, especially in the face of oppression and abuse. By empowering them with knowledge and support, we aim to create a safe environment where their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their well-being is prioritized-all while having fun.

We believe that addressing sexual abuse requires a collective effort. Therefore, we work diligently to establish effective protocols of action, fostering collaboration between state and private institutions. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the real and lasting protection of children's rights, providing them with the safety and security they deserve.