Children leading the way

CHILDREN BRINGING CHANGE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES

When children are free to realise their rights, they are free to thrive. This year the children we support have led the way in their communities, identifying the most vulnerable households for support, running community hand washing workshops and making videos about preventing the spread of the virus. These examples are just the tip of the iceberg.

INDIA

In India, 10 Child Parliaments grew in confidence and took the lead in identifying vulnerable households in need of support during lockdown. They continued to teach hundreds of children about their rights and were supported to advocate for change with their peers and communities; tackling the issue of rising domestic abuse and training communities on hygiene and hand washing to reduce the spread of the virus.

The community at large has been facing high levels of stress and depression; but many of our children have become models of resilience, setting examples of how to support families with day-to-day necessiti. Anjali and Ansu, started small shops in their local areas which generated additional income to support their families.

12 year old Soni conducted her own safety awareness campaign, making masks for many people in her village.

BANGLADESH

In Bangladesh, the children worked with digital staff to create videos to help the community understand and prevent the spread of the virus. Child Councils were taught about the dangers of the virus; the children then disseminated information to their classes and throughout their communities.

Through Moja Kids, their own online platform, students create video updates to share back and forth with children outside the refugee camps where they live, giving them a place to express their talents and creativity, and tackle their sense of isolation.

UGANDA

In Uganda, Child Rights Clubs in Loco, Wandago and Masese I give children the opportunity to express themselves and begin to play an active role in their communities.

They have tripled in membership this year and been growing in confidence, and despite lockdown restrictions, have been very active, being the ears and eyes of their peers and working hand in hand with the Child Protection Teams to identify children at risk and intervene where necessary.

Masese I Child Rights Club identified a 14-year-old girl who was sleeping out on her own and informed the Child Protection Team. They talked with both the girl and her parents, ensuring she was able to return home safely. The Child Rights Club reported a security guard at their nearby petrol station who sexually assaulted a 4-year-old girl. The Child Protection Team worked quickly with police to have the man arrested.

LEBANON

In Lebanon, 13 Grade 9 students passed their high school exams, bravely crossing the border into Syria to take them and inspiring those in the lower years that taking the exams can be a reality. The older members took responsibility on the trip and led the group in the adventure. All 13 passed and three made it onto a prestigious honours list.