Home National News NCCK branch in Ikutha Sub-County launches Children’s Assembly Ikutha Sub-County Chapter

NCCK branch in Ikutha Sub-County launches Children’s Assembly Ikutha Sub-County Chapter

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The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) branch in Ikutha Sub-County has launched the Kenya Children’s Assembly (KCA) Ikutha Sub-County Chapter, following the successful rollout of the innovative Child-Led Research (CLR) with support from Help a Child Africa. The assembly, comprising children from 18 primary and secondary schools in the area, provides a platform for children to advocate for their rights and raise concerns about their well-being. This historic initiative marks the first-ever children’s assembly in Ikutha, combining advocacy and research to empower children’s voices and address their needs in the community.

NCCK Officer Shadrack Muia underscored the significance of both the KCA and CLR initiatives, noting how they give children an active role in identifying issues and shaping policies that affect them. “KCA allows children to come together, discuss matters that concern them, and propose interventions to the government,” Muia said. Similarly, the CLR platform enables children to conduct research, helping them better understand their issues and influence policy decisions. These initiatives are designed to ensure children’s voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Kitui South Children’s Officer Daniel Masila echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the assembly contributes to shaping government policies. “Through these deliberations, children help influence decision-making processes and policies that impact their well-being,” Masila noted. The KCA and CLR initiatives aim to promote children’s participation in governance, fostering a sense of responsibility and enabling them to become active contributors to societal development.

Children participating in the assembly have already identified key issues they face, such as neglect and abuse from parents and caregivers. Leon Ngumbau, the Secretary of Participation, emphasized that many children suffer from neglect, while Organizing Secretary Mbithe Muthama highlighted the difficulty in accessing essential services like healthcare and education, particularly for those who must travel long distances. The children stressed the need for better-equipped hospitals and schools to improve the quality of services available to them.

In addition to policy discussions, the children were introduced to critical life skills, including self-awareness, effective communication, and stress management. These skills are meant to help them navigate their daily challenges and advocate for their needs more effectively. The creation of the Ikutha Sub-County Children’s Assembly, combined with child-led research initiatives, marks a milestone in children’s empowerment and engagement in the area’s development.

By integrating both the KCA and CLR, the initiative not only gives children a voice but also equips them with the tools and skills to gather evidence, analyze data, and make informed contributions. This dual approach ensures that children are not only the beneficiaries of policies but also key participants in shaping them, fostering a generation of informed, activec itizens in Ikutha.

 

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