When the staff of the RANA Foundation launched their first storytelling workshop for children aged six to eleven fifteen years ago, they were the ones calling schools to explain their measures for preventing the sexual abuse of children and adolescents. Over the years, the Foundation has achieved a remarkable shift: now, it is the schools themselves that reach out - aware of the importance and necessity of this work.
As part of her video series “The Mallorcans”, German TV journalist Sibylle Tiessen presents the Mallorca-based organisation RANA on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, featuring educator Ana Maria Durán.
Photo: Sibylle Tiessen
“The Foundation’s aim is not only prevention but also raising awareness,” says Durán, who has worked with RANA for seven years. “We want to build a shared consciousness to help drive change in society.”
The organisation, whose name stands for Red de Ayuda a Niños Abusados (Network for Helping Abused Children), supports children and adolescents aged between four and eighteen. Each age-specific programme provides tools for self-protection, helping children to identify abuse and to know how to act if they ever find themselves in an uncomfortable or threatening situation.
RANA was founded in 2005 by American Elizabeth Homberg as an association and was later converted into a foundation. Today, ten women work for RANA, among them educators like Durán, as well as criminologists and psychologists. The Foundation also supports adults.
“Our therapy programme is aimed at people who suffered sexual abuse in childhood or adolescence and who now, as adults, need a safe and supportive space,” explains Durán.
“Adults need to inform themselves and speak openly about this issue,” adds RANA spokesperson Gema Izquierdo. “It is essential that responsible adults break their silence and learn to recognise, respond to, and prevent the sexual abuse of children.”
To mark two decades of work across the Balearic Islands, RANA is running a poster campaign in Palma. Fifteen strategic locations across the city feature four different designs showing children and young people alongside the word 'Feliz' ('Happy'). The images represent integrity, joy, and a pure, curious gaze. Through this campaign, the Foundation calls on society to protect children and young people so that they can grow up happy. The initiative has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Malla Advertising Group, which has provided the poster spaces free of charge.
Since its creation, RANA’s prevention, education and awareness-raising activities have reached almost 55,000 children and adolescents, helping them understand their rights, recognise healthy boundaries and find the courage to speak up. Training sessions and workshops for adults - parents, teachers, and professionals working with children - have prepared 5,000 participants to better protect minors. In addition, 800 adult survivors have received psychological support through RANA’s therapy programme.
“We organise many events and take part in different initiatives to engage with society,” says Durán. “So that people become aware and start asking for information.”
On Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 November, RANA will host two public awareness days on the topic of child and adolescent sexual abuse at the Mallorca Chamber of Commerce, Calle Estudi General 7. The event opens on Wednesday at 6pm with the screening of a film on the subject, followed by a discussion with the actresses involved and representatives of RANA.
On Thursday, the programme continues from 9am with a series of talks, and later Ana Maria Durán will present a new children’s book she has co-authored with her RANA colleagues. Those interested can register via an online form available through RANA’s social media channels. Participation costs €12 for both days, or €5 for Wednesday only and €10 for Thursday only.
The event coincides with the International Day for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and the Day of Childhood.
The Foundation welcomes donations to the following account:
- Fundación RANA
- IBAN: ES67 2100 0207 5702 0035 8740 (CaixaBank)
COOPERATION WITH TUI
Support from the tourism industry: the video-project is sponsored by Europe's leading tourism group Tui and its Tui Care Foundation. The initiative was founded in 2016 with the aim of supporting sustainable projects in the destinations. The foundation focuses on the potential of the tourism sector as a driver of social development, education and prosperity. The Group promotes sustainable tourism in cooperation with local people.