The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), with the support of Help a Child Africa, has embarked on a transformative initiative in Ikutha Sub-County, Kitui South, aimed at promoting children’s welfare. This child-centered program has introduced platforms like the Kenya Children’s Assembly (KCA) and Child-Led Research (CLR) to empower children to actively advocate for their rights. These initiatives provide children with the tools and opportunities to engage in policy discussions that directly affect their well-being, encouraging them to take a more significant role in shaping their future.
NCCK Officer Shadrack Muia highlighted the importance of these platforms, particularly the KCA and CLR. He noted that they give children the space to identify challenges in their communities and propose actionable solutions. “The KCA and Child-Led Research allow children to share their experiences and actively participate in the formulation of policies that affect them,” Muia explained. This initiative helps bridge the gap between children and decision-makers, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
A unique aspect of this program is the election of children as research champions. Several children elected under the assemblies were selected for their leadership potential, which was cultivated through their involvement in CLR. These young leaders are now more confident, having developed skills in research, data collection, and advocacy. By engaging in these activities, the children have gained the ability to analyze issues like neglect, access to healthcare, and education, making them more effective advocates for their peers.
The program has already achieved significant milestones. One of the major successes is the increased participation of children in planning, monitoring, and evaluating programs run by Help a Child Africa. Through these efforts, the quality of interventions targeting children’s welfare has improved. Additionally, child-friendly data collection tools have been developed, and children have acquired digital skills, including basic computer use and data analysis. This has not only enhanced the children’s engagement in research but also helped provide valuable evidence on the core issues affecting them.
The Child-Led Research initiative has provided key learnings. It has enhanced the communication, digital, and writing skills of the participating children, especially during data analysis and report writing. Moreover, it has boosted their confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to engage adults more effectively, particularly during the data collection process. This initiative has also demystified children’s involvement in research, showing that they can be active participants in developing advocacy agendas and influencing child-related policies and practices.
Looking ahead, NCCK and Help a Child Africa have made several recommendations to strengthen child participation. They suggest promoting Child-Led Research in program monitoring and evaluation to ensure holistic interventions. It is essential to create awareness among stakeholders about the benefits of child-led initiatives, provide ongoing support to children, and ensure ethical considerations are observed. Additionally, there is a need to fast-track feedback from decision-makers on children’s research findings and advocate for policies that support meaningful child engagement at both the county and national levels.
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