The AASEV Awareness & Prevention Department in collaboration with Information and Publicicty took a significant step in its community mobilization efforts with the production of "Chipo," a compelling short film that tackles one of the most insidious barriers to justice in Zambia: the concealment of defilement cases within families. A STORY THAT MIRROS A SILENT CRISIS The film, shot on location in Lusaka, tells the story of Chipo, a young girl whose assault is concealed by her own family because the perpetrator is the primary breadwinner. It powerfully highlights the devastating conflict between economic survival and a child’s safety—a tragic reality for many Zambian families. Crucially, the narrative shows how Chipo's teacher, noticing disturbing changes in her student, becomes the catalyst for justice by choosing to report her suspicions. "This film was born from the painful stories we hear in our community dialogues," said the film's director from AASEV. "'Chipo' is not just a story; it's a reflection of the silence we are trying to break. It highlights the critical role that teachers—trusted figures who see children daily—can play in protection. It asks every educator and community member: If you see signs a child is being hurt, will you be the one to report it?" THE GOAL: EMPOWERING FRONTLINE PROTECTORS The core objective of "Chipo" is to empower key community figures—especially teachers—to become active protectors. The film serves as an educational tool to: Expose the Harm of Concealment: Illustrate how hiding abuse protects perpetrators and perpetuates trauma. Empower Educators: Provide a clear, relatable example of how a teacher can identify signs of abuse and navigate the critical step of reporting. Clarify the Reporting Process: Demystify what happens after a report is made, reducing fear and hesitation. Promote Legal Accountability: Reinforce the message that concealing defilement is a crime, aligning with AASEV’s advocacy for stricter concealment laws. Spark Community Dialogue: Serve as the centerpiece for discussions in our school and community workshops, fostering a culture of collective vigilance. A COMMUNITY DRIVEN PRODUCTION True to AASEV’s grassroots model, the film was produced by a volunteer crew of local filmmakers and features actors from the community. The production itself was an act of mobilization, engaging volunteers in a creative process dedicated to social change. WHERE TO WATCH "CHIPO" AND JOIN THE CAMPAIGN The short film will be premiered in early 2025 as part of a targeted campaign, "See Something, Say Something: A Teacher's Duty." School Screenings & Workshops: It will be the cornerstone of a new program for teachers and school administrators, providing them with resources and guidelines for student protection. Community Screenings: It will be featured in our community dialogues to encourage everyone to support and trust the reporting process. Digital Release: Clips and the full film will be released on AASEV’s social media channels (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) to reach a national audience. Partnership Broadcasts: We are in discussions with local television and radio stations to air the film as a public service announcement. Join the Movement. Be a Protector. We believe that films like "Chipo" can change hearts and minds. Follow our social media for the release announcement and screening dates. Contact us at: aasevzambia@gmail.com #ChipoFilm #BreakTheSilence #TeacherAsProtector #EndDefilement #SeeSomethingSaySomething #AASEV #SchoolSafety #CommunityProtection #Zambia