Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 265

Tonight's SPECIAL GUEST is Irene van der Zande, who was inspired to found Kidpower by a frightening incident in 1985. As she was leading a group of young kids on a field trip, a man charged towards them and threatened to take one of the children. Irene put herself between the man and the children, including her own son and daughter, and shouted. The children were unhurt and soon recovered - but Irene was shaken and determined to do something to help people, especially children, build the skills and confidence to take charge of their own safety. Today, Kidpower is a growing international organization. Worldwide it has served over 2 million children, teens, and adults, including those with special needs, through workshops and educational resources. The future will bring more local services, more centers in countries all over the world, more books and educational materials, and more chances for Kidpower to affect the lives of people everywhere. For a comprehensive description of the many people involved in the creation and success of Kidpower, see Kidpower - a Tapestry Woven by Many Different Hands.