Nairobi: Busia Sub County children's officer Euphrasia Agalla has called for the establishment of child rights clubs in schools to help empower children to know and enjoy their rights. Speaking during the Child Rights Inter Club Competition under the Linda Mtoto Project of Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya in Busia town, Agalla emphasized the importance of these clubs in equipping children with knowledge about their rights, enabling them to advocate for themselves.
According to Kenya News Agency, Agalla highlighted the prevalence of child protection issues and violations in Busia and across the country. She noted that educating children on their rights is crucial in addressing these issues, as they are the ones directly affected. By forming child rights clubs in schools, children would have the opportunity to learn, understand, and advocate for their rights and those of their peers at home or in any environment.
Agalla also praised the inter-club competition for providing a platform for talent development among young children. She explained that the competition allows children to showcase their talents, build confidence, and improve public speaking skills. Through skits, dances, and poems, children can communicate their rights in a manner easily understood by their peers.
Additionally, Agalla urged parents to utilize the holiday period to mentor their children and instill good morals. She emphasized the importance of parents taking an active role in their children's upbringing, rather than delegating responsibilities to relatives, and encouraged them to teach life skills during this time.
Linda Mtoto Project coordinator Everline Achieng reported the initiation of child rights clubs in four sub-counties in Busia County to educate children on their rights. Achieng noted that 48 teachers, including head teachers and child rights club matrons and patrons, have been trained to establish these clubs in their respective schools. The initiative aims to enable learners to understand their rights effectively.
Achieng shared that the inter-club competition serves to assess the effectiveness of the child rights clubs. She expressed satisfaction with the skits and presentations advocating for children's rights, which have raised awareness among the participants. Achieng stated that the goal is to use the children as ambassadors to advocate for their rights and educate others, ultimately reducing rights violations.
Furthermore, the coordinator mentioned plans to utilize faith clubs to educate children about their rights during the holiday period. These clubs, which include children from all religions, aim to reach as many children as possible, ensuring they are informed and can identify cases of rights violations. The training is intended to prepare children to become responsible individuals in the future.
Edwin Wafula, a teacher, emphasized that training children on their rights empowers them to join the fight against rights violations. He noted that informed children can help identify cases of violations, enabling quick intervention and protection of their rights.
Learners participating in the competition, led by Catherin Auma, who is deaf, praised the child rights clubs for educating them about their rights. Auma expressed the intention to use the acquired knowledge to protect other children from abuse, defilement, and neglect, ensuring safety and well-being.