CHILD RIGHTS PROGRAM
Creating child protection structures in schools and communities.
Growing up in poverty increases the likelihood that a child’s right to an education and security will be violated. In communities where practices such as child labor and early marriage are common, children become even more vulnerable.
We work with nine of our partners across Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, in communities where children are at an increased risk of emotional, sexual and physical abuse. We make sure they have a structure of peers, teachers and safeguarding bodies who stand up for and protect their rights by:
ESTABLISHING
Child Rights Clubs in schools and communities for up to 30 children, who use dance and song to teach other children about their rights and responsibilities.
TRAINING
teachers and community volunteers as Child Rights Patrons and Matrons, who teach the club members about their rights and responsibilities.
SETTING UP
Child Help Desks, which are safe, child-friendly spaces where children can report cases of abuse to the Patrons and Matrons.
IDENTIFYING
community volunteers and teachers to become Child Help Desk Officers who deal with reported cases of abuse and take action with the child’s household, community leaders and the authorities.
TEACHING
clubs to run income-generating activities, such as food gardens and pig rearing projects, so they can use the income to pay for school uniforms and fees for vulnerable children in their community.
ESTABLISHING
Child Rights Community Committees made up of leaders, local police, parents and guardians who ensure children’s rights are upheld and that those who infringe them are brought to justice.
“Knowing my rights and responsibilities has totally transformed me into a new person. I am now committed to school and improving on my grades daily.”
Fatuma is now back in school thanks to her Child Rights Club in Mbale, eastern Uganda.
THE IMPACT
A reduction in the number of child rights violations, including neglect, exploitation and early marriage.
An increase in the number of vulnerable children attending school as they are helped financially if their parents cannot afford the fees.
Communities who know how to safeguard and protect their children.
OUR REACH
To date, through our Child Rights Program, we have worked with:
communities to improve child protection structures.
teachers and community volunteers so they can respond to cases of child abuse.
parents and guardians, teaching them about children’s rights and how to protect them.
primary school children, empowering them to stand up for and protect their rights, and the rights of others.
OUR OTHER PROGRAMS
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