Amnani conducting training for her 'Mobilising Community and Youth Child Protectors' initiative. Photos: Child ACT
All across the world and in the country, where the safety and well-being of children are increasingly under threat, a groundbreaking Malaysian initiative has emerged to challenge the status quo.
Spearheaded by child rights activist Amnani Abdul Kadir, the Mobilising Community and Youth Child Protectors initiative has gained international recognition, winning the 2024 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Award. This award with its US$5,000 (RM21,975) grant, given by the Meridian International Center and the United States State Department, acknowledges innovative efforts to bring about meaningful change.
Amnani hopes that Malaysians become a community of proactive protectors, not passive bystanders. Photo: The Star/Filepic"Every child has the right to grow up in safety and dignity, and safeguarding children is not just the responsibility of parents or professionals, it is a collective duty. Whether through advocacy, training or direct intervention, everyone has a role to play in protecting the most vulnerable members of society," says Amnani who is the programme director of NGO Child Abuse Community Training (Child ACT).
It is with this in mind that Amnani started the initiative. She reveals that the initiative was born out of tragedy.
In December 2023, six-year-old Zayn Rayyan, who has autism, went missing and was later found dead. This incident deeply moved Amnani, igniting her commitment to create a safer environment for children.
"I was profoundly affected by Zayn’s case. His story motivated me to make a lasting impact in preventing child abuse."
Launched in November 2024, in conjunction with the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse, the initiative aims to empower communities and young people to take an active role in protecting children. With the alarming rise in child abuse cases and fatalities in Malaysia, it seeks to equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge to support Child Protection Officers and strengthen the country’s child protection ecosystem.
The approach is twofold: training university students to become advocates for child safety and equipping professionals who work with children with advanced skills in child protection. In just three months, the programme has delivered two impactful training modules: the Child Abuse Bystander Training for university students; and Essential Child Protection Training for professionals working directly with children.
A group discussion on child protection.
The Child Abuse Bystander Training programme targets university students as potential champions of child rights. Through a series of workshops held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), University College Sedaya International (UCSI), and IMU University (formerly International Medical University), a total of 137 students have been trained so far.
These sessions equip participants with the tools to identify and respond effectively to signs of abuse. Students learn to recognise different types of abuse, handle disclosures sensitively, and adopt a child-centred approach in their interactions. Role-playing scenarios simulate real-life situations, helping participants practise their responses and build confidence.
Beyond technical skills, the training fosters critical thinking by challenging societal norms and myths that perpetuate abuse. By the end of each session, students take the Child ACT Pledge, committing themselves to the prevention of child abuse and the creation of safer communities.
Future Medical Practitioners from IMU taking the Child ACT Pledge, a demonstration of their commitment towards child protection in Malaysia.
"The response from students has been inspiring," says Amnani. "After the training, they're not only equipped with knowledge, but also a renewed sense of responsibility to advocate for children’s safety."
Plans are already in motion to continue these programmes at IMU, UCSI, and UPSI, ensuring that more students are empowered to contribute to the cause.
The Essential Child Protection Training programme targets professionals who work directly with children. Held in early January, in collaboration with Power of Play (a centre that helps children overcome trauma through play therapy and other programmes), this intensive workshop brought together 19 participants from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor.
The training addresses critical topics such as child abuse awareness, online and offline grooming, relevant legislation, professional ethics, and handling abuse disclosures. Through role-playing and the analysis of real-life case studies, participants were encouraged to confront societal taboos and apply their learning to their professional context.
Future social workers at UKM Learning about the trauma of child abuse.
One of the programme’s standout outcomes was the introduction of the Child Support Workers initiative. Seven participants have since signed up to join this team of trained volunteers, who assist child abuse survivors and their families during disclosures and the justice-seeking process.
"The dedication of these professionals has been remarkable," Amnani notes. "Their willingness to step up and become Child Support Workers demonstrates the power of collective action in safeguarding children."
In addition to immediate outcomes, the training has inspired three shelter homes to draft and implement their own child protection policies – a significant step toward systemic change.
The impact of the Mobilising Community and Youth Child Protectors initiative extends beyond individual participants. It has sparked new advocacy efforts and policy discussions aimed at strengthening child abuse prevention in Malaysia.
Reflecting on her journey, Amnani expresses gratitude for the recognition and support her work has received.
Participants of the programme doing a group presentation on child abuse prevention methods.
"The public response to this programme has been overwhelming. I’m deeply grateful for the support and excited to expand these efforts to protect more children and create safer communities."
Her vision is clear: a Malaysia where communities are not passive bystanders but proactive protectors.
"By educating and mobilising individuals, I hope to create a ripple effect that ensures a safer and brighter future for generations to come," she concludes.
