WHO® is an educational program that teaches children and teenagers how to stay safe when faced with child abuse and neglect, kidnapping, bullying, peer pressure, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of victimization.
Trained volunteers, educators and counselors make engaging, non-threatening presentations in English and Spanish to students at all grade levels.
The program uses active learning techniques along with age-appropiate curricula, videotapes and puppets.
Why is WHO® important?
In order to prevent wounds inside and out we must equip kids with knowledge!
In 2006, there were over 40,000 reports of child abuse/neglect in Houston alone.
A child is reported missing every 37 seconds and 2/3 of those abducted experience sexual assault.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24.
Young women ages 16-24 are four times more likely to be date raped than any other age group.
The cycle of abuse will continue from generation to generation until children and adolescents are taught that they have a right to protect themselves. The WHO® program is a primary prevention tool; it seeks to prevent the likelihood of child vicitimization, which could lead to lifelong physical and mental health problems.
An adult version of the curricula, called Adults & Children Together- ACT, is also available.
Want to be a WHO® volunteer? Want WHO® at your local school? We are always looking for motivated people to help prevent child abuse. We welcome adults of all ages, nurses, teachers, college students, and childcare workers! Training and materials are free. Hours are flexible.
