The History of My Body
By Chrissy Sykes
Some moments in life leave an imprint on your heart, shaping your path in ways you never expected. For me, that moment came in June 1986, when I was on a stopover in London on my way to the United States.
At the time, I was a South African country singer-songwriter and recording artist. I had just been invited to Nashville by the legendary producer Pete Drake, a dream opportunity for any musician. But while in London, I kept seeing the heartbreaking story of a little girl named Kimberley Carlisle in the newspapers. She was just four years old—just like my own daughter at the time—when her short life was tragically ended by abuse.
I remember feeling overwhelmed with sorrow and helplessness. How could something so awful happen to an innocent child? As I boarded my flight to the U.S., the words and melody of a song poured out of me. By the time I landed, Kimberley had been written. It was my way of honouring her, of giving a voice to children who suffered in silence. But at that moment, I had no idea where this song would take me.
A Chance Meeting in Texas
Fast forward to 1989. I was in Texas at a dinner party when the hostess, knowing I was a singer, asked me to play a song. I hesitated, then sat at the piano and played Kimberley for the first time in front of others.
Unbeknownst to me, one of the guests was the President of the Texas Child Welfare Board—a man who was deeply moved by the song. He asked if it could be used to raise awareness and funds for child abuse prevention. Of course, I said yes.
That year, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Texas Child Welfare Board sold 14,000 records and tapes of the song, raising $70,000 for child protection efforts.
Speaking to Large Audiences for the First Time
As part of the campaign, I was invited to tour across Texas to introduce Kimberley and talk to people about child abuse prevention. I was a singer, not a child protection professional, and I had no experience speaking in front of large audiences.
On my first day, I went to a school and spoke in front of 500 children, feeling completely out of my depth. But the next event was even more overwhelming—over 2,000 students at a high school!
I was nervous, but I spoke from the heart. What happened next was unexpected and deeply moving—children started opening up. After each talk, about 15% of the children came forward to disclose abuse they had never told anyone about before.
That experience changed me forever. I realised that music was a powerful tool to open up conversations about safety and empowerment.
The Birth of My Body Is My Body and Success across the United States
I suggested to the teams at the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that we develop a music-based programme, as it was clear that music was the key to truly connecting with the children. I asked them, “If you could include everything a child needs to know about staying safe, what would it be?” Their insights were invaluable, and over the next few months, I poured my heart into writing and shaping what would soon become the My Body Is My Body programme—a programme designed to empower children in a way that was engaging, memorable, and most importantly, effective.
I moved to Tennessee and the Program was referred to the Nashville Coalition On Child Abuse and Neglect by the Department of Human Services and the project became the Coalition’s first Major undertaking.
A research study published in the Journal of Music Therapy which involved children showed that music, and typically group singing activities like the “My Body Is My Body” program found an increase in trust and group cohesiveness and cooperation. In addition, singing and developing music skills
( like learning new songs) relate to increasing a more positive self-concept and development of self-esteem - helping kids feel better about themselves.
The Coalition felt that this program is a valuable instrument in Child Abuse Prevention and that it can truly make a valuable contribution, not only for child abuse awareness but even more importantly, child abuse prevention, allowing the rare opportunity to make a significant impact in causing a reduction of the number of children being victimised. A problem that up to now has seen a steady increase.
I moved to Tennessee and the Program was referred to the Nashville Coalition On Child Abuse and Neglect by the Department of Human Services and the project became the Coalition’s first Major undertaking.
A research study published in the Journal of Music Therapy which involved children showed that music, and typically group singing activities like the “My Body Is My Body” program found an increase in trust and group cohesiveness and cooperation. In addition, singing and developing music skills
( like learning new songs) relate to increasing a more positive self-concept and development of self-esteem - helping kids feel better about themselves.
The Coalition felt that this program is a valuable instrument in Child Abuse Prevention and that it can truly make a valuable contribution, not only for child abuse awareness but even more importantly, child abuse prevention, allowing the rare opportunity to make a significant impact in causing a reduction of the number of children being victimised. A problem that up to now has seen a steady increase.
Our mission is to empower children
In a 5 year period I presented the program to over 350,000 children in Texas, Tennessee, Florida and Virginia, working with Schools, PTAs, Department of Human Services and Department of Education."
An Eye-Opening Conversation
One of the most profound moments in my journey came during a visit to the Tennessee State Prison, where I had the chance to ask some inmates a chilling but important question:
“What would you do if a child said NO to you?”
Their response? “We would look for another child who did not say no.”
That moment reinforced the most important message of the programme: We must educate as many children as possible to say NO!
A Global Movement
Today, My Body Is My Body is being used in over 60 countries, and more than 2.5 million children have been taught the programme. It’s making a real impact in communities worldwide, and I am deeply humbled by the dedication of so many people who have embraced it.
Now, with the incredible support of Rotary International, our 350 Ambassadors and Worldwide Partners, the programme is reaching even greater heights. Rotary Clubs and our Ambassadors around the world are bringing MBIMB into schools and communities, helping to empower children, educate teachers, and create safer environments for future generations.
This journey has been one I never could have planned, but I truly believe that some paths are meant to find us. If it was not for the invitation from Pete Drake, none of this would ever have hapenned. I am endlessly grateful to everyone who has helped make My Body Is My Body what it is today.
Together, we can continue to make a difference. Together, we can build a world safe for every child.
2024
MBIMB Partnered with Rotary International ICC's, Rotary International Zones 21 and 22 and ISPCAN (International Society for the Prevention Of Child Abuse and Neglect)
2023
The MBIMB Foundation partnered with International Organisation EndViolence.org
2022
My Body Is My Body now has the program released in 26 Language translations around the world.
2017
We receive the support of the International Society For the Prevention Of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN).
2016
First My Body is My Body Animated Video Released in English.
1992
Over 350,000 children have been taught in schools.
1989
My Body is My Body Program is developed in Texas, United States.
WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT PROTECTING CHILDREN
Our MBIMB Team
Chrissy Sykes
Trustee and Founder
Founder of the MBIMB Foundation, Chrissy is an award-winning singer/songwriter and recording artist, with a career in South Africa and Nashville, USA.
She developed the MBIMB Program in 1989 in conjunction with various Departments of Education and Departments of Human Services in the United States of America. In 2016 Chrissy (now living in the UK) decided to animate the program songs to reach a worldwide audience.
Chrissy currently works with NGO and school volunteers in over 50 Countries who have reached at least 1.5 million children with the programme. Another 1.3 million people have been reached on Youtube. Chrissy spends her time teaching volunteers, school teachers and community leaders how to introduce the subject of child abuse prevention into their communities using the MBIMB Programme.
She is also the Co-Publisher of the Ambassador Magazine which incorporates work from the Global Goodwill Ambassadors and the MBIMB Ambassadors and holds the position of President of Child Welfare for the Global Goodwill Ambassadors.
Antonia Noble
Trustee
During her 25 years as a Barrister, Antonia not only developed a deep understanding of the law but the ability to process and present information logically and clearly. What’s more, it’s what she is passionate about. She cares deeply about justice, fairness and liberty and loves nothing more than helping individuals and organisations find their voice and reach better outcomes. Antonia has extensive experience working in various areas of law, including criminal, employment, human rights, litigation, and data protection.
She has also served as a cabinet member at Gloucestershire County Council for seven years.
Antonia has experience across a number of other public sector bodies including Health and Wellbeing, Joint Commissioning and Safeguarding Adult and Children boards, Cheltenham Development Task Force, and Community Safety Groups.
Antonia writes a whole range of safeguarding related courses including topic specific such as exploitation and modern slavery. These have been approved by CPD Certification and NSPCC, Football Associations, and we are proud to offer our Free Safeguarding Fundamentals Course written by Antonia here on our website.
Dee Russell Thomas
Trustee
With over 30 years of education experience in the UK and overseas, in state and private sector and from infant through to University level, Dee is able to support, advise and provide training in areas of school improvement, planning for inspections, lesson observations and performance management. With specific expertise in "Closing the Gap" for our most vulnerable young people (BME,FSM,CLA) and ensuring equality of opportunity, her approach is non-threatening, based on proven, practical initiatives and successful stories. Dee is also a School Improvement Partner/ Head Teacher appraiser, a trained Ofsted inspector, an evaluator for the Ministry of Education in the Northern Emirates, UAE, an inspector for KHDA/DSIB in Dubai and an inspector/evaluator for British Schools overseas.(Africa and Asia) Her expertise in child protection, safeguarding, care and support and inclusion is supported by her in-depth understanding of causes and effects of abuse. She has researched, written and delivered courses on breaking the silence, self-harm, eating disorders as well as exogenous and endogenous depression and suicide. She has received numerous nominations and awards for her work including Teacher of the Year, National Mentoring Award, Outstanding Contribution to Community Development, Local Heroes Award and Global recognition of her services to Refugees and Asylum Seekers. She has been appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire by the late Queen Elizabeth II. She is UK GGA Chair for Child Welfare, MBIMB Ambassador, Executive Director of UK Global Goodwill Ambassadors and Managing Director of DGRT Educational Consultancy Ltd.
Nick Askew
Trustee
A thoughtful and compassionate leader who empowers others to lead using their natural passion, strategic communication, and emotional intelligence. Specializes in creating sophisticated software and using automation and AI to reduce expenses and increase performance. Featured on the cover of Auto Dealer Today, I held and excelled at multiple Automotive retail positions, including Sales, F&I, and Sales Manager; with an extensive background in Sales and Marketing. I grew to the position of Digital Director for a 40-store automotive group in Texas before embarking on my own mission... To revolutionize the standard of automotive retail, making buying a car a delightful experience, once and for all.
.Dr Tufail Muhammad
Advisory Board
Dr. Tufail Muhammad (MD, MCPS, DCH, DCPath) is a paediatrician by profession. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Child Rights & Abuse Committee, Pakistan Pediatric Association and Director of the Regional Training Institute Peshawar. He has postgraduate qualifications and training in Pediatrics, Clinical pathology, public health and Reproductive health.
Dr. Tufail Muhammad has more than 32 years of experience in the field of CAN and Child protection. He has more than 30 research papers to his credit and has presented more than 60 papers at international conferences in several countries worldwide.
Tufail is also currently the Chair Technical Advisory Group on Child Rights, Child and Environment, Asia Pacific Pediatric Association.
He has also co-authored a book (Your amazing baby) on the growth and development of Pakistani infants (published by Save the Children UK
Nancy Abdelhadi
Advisory Board
Head of African Development
Nancy has extensive business development, marketing, communications, public relations, event planning and research expertise as well as a rich academic and professional background on regional and international levels.
She also has comprehensive organizational, public relations and management competencies, a proven track record of planning and managing diverse programs and projects and executing complex administrative assignments contributing to the achievement of predefined organizational goals and objectives.
Caroline Flynn
Trustee
Caroline is the Vice Chair for the BASW England London Branch British Association of Social Workers. Since 2006 Caroline has worked as a Locum Social Worker, Consultant Social Worker, Manager and Child Protection Chair throughout the UK. She has specialised in Family and Child Protection for over ten years and has covered all aspects of Child Care post initial assessment through a period of change and uncertainty. Caroline has worked with several Local Authorities through their restructuring and is aware of the impact this can have on both the children and families, as well as the staffing.
Caroline has developed the very successful LinkIndex Keyring, which uses unique QR codes to give instant access to over 2000 targeted resources and is designed for all agencies that support children, adults and families.
Dr. John Harrison
Advisory Board as Head Of Education - ASEAN Countries
Dr. Darwin Moses
Advisory Board Director of Inclusion and Accessability Services
Professional worked for the empowerment of
people with disabilities for more than 19 years
in the thematic areas of Special Education,
Inclusive Education, Livelihood, Advocacy and
Networking. Worked pan India and
Internationally. Worked will all types of
disabilities.
Organized Paralympic Floor Hockey, Athlete
games and other sports events such as Cricket
for the Blind, Volleyball for the Blind, Chess for
the Blind, Hearing Impaired Cricket, Chess
tournament for the Hearing Impairment,
Physical Disability Volleyball, Physical Disability
Cricket, Wheelchair Cricket, Physical Disability
Kabaddi, Arm Wrestling for the people with
physical disability. Recently organised 1st Ever
Women Blind Cricket tournament and selected
players to repres
David Ellis
Advisory Board Director Of Funding
David has worked in the voluntary sector for over 35 years, both overseas and in the UK. This has involved Director level and Chief Executive appointments with a number of national disability charities.
David has recently retired as the Chief Executive at National Star, a national charity working with and for young people with complex disabilities. He had held this position since 2010, during which time the charity gained ‘Outstanding’ awards from both Ofsted and CQC for the services offered. He also oversaw an increase in the scale of the charity’s service delivery from £14million p.a. to £35million p.a.
David has held a number of non-executive roles during his career in the voluntary sector, including most recently as a Trustee of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG), the umbrella group for disability charities across the UK.
Ambassadors
Children Reached
Countries Reached
Languages
Thinking of getting involved?
Join the My Body movement
My Body is My Body relies on global volunteers and partners to present the program to children, share with the community, and outreach with other organizations so we can reach even more children. Please contact us if you have any questions about how to get involved.