GlobalGiving.org: Promote Children Participation in Kenya

Holiday Well Spent!

Gichuki Francis — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:56:55 GMT

As shared in our last report, we did organize the December Holiday Play sessions which was to mark the 10^th anniversary of our organization. This brought all the programs, stakeholders and partners together.

This was one of the most exciting activities that TYSA has organized in the recent past. It was an event that lasted for 10 days with all excitements. Over 1500 youth and community members participated in the celebrations.

As outlined; December Holiday Play and Mentorship Activities, junior mentorship Camp for under 14 years children including those with disability, Keeping My Dream Alive camp for vulnerable girls, and Play and learn Tournament for youth above 15 years and computer sessions were all organized.

Junior mentorship camp brought together 110 children under 14 years from across the country. Teams came from Amani Kibera in Nairobi, ASTEP in Eldoret, SOET in Mt Elgon and the host community in Trans-nzoia County. The children had assorted activities including life-skill sessions and health. They played 7 asi9de soccer games in a league format where each team played more than 4 games. The final league was for 11 aside where Amani Kibera Nairobi emerged triumph and carried the trophy. There was lots of fun as all children including those with disability participated in different way. Music and dance was in plenty.

One of the most memorable moment was the fact that the children who came from different ethnic communities sin Kenya were hosted by families where TYSA works. This is the first time this is happening in the local community. ‘ I am so excited and happy that I stayed in a family who take care of me like one of their child. I will come again to visit them’ Master Nyagah from Eldoret

120 girls from five organizations in Kenya that is Suba Lakers from Mbita, SEP from Oyugis, KYFA from Kisumu, Diocese of Lodwar from Turkana and TYSA. The girls who were hosted by St. Teresa’s Secondary School Sinyereri organized the training sessions and participated in the TYSA Girls We Can Soccer tournament. In the morning the girls held sessions in the school where they shared on keeping their Dreams Alive. In the afternoon, they participated in the soccer competitions which was eventually won by SEP Girls form Oyugis. The girls were so inspired during the camp. They shared freely amongst themselves. Mss Onyango Florence said from KYFA ‘I would like to be a neurosurgeon so that I can help people with mental disabilities so that they can also be accepted in society where they are stigmatized’

The computer classes were offered during this period and it is still ongoing for the community youth. 40 youth enrolled into the training session. They are learning basic skills to help them become more marketable in the market. The project will as form January 2012 include children under 14 years to gain the computer literacy skills at early age.

The December Holiday play brought in the senior youths aged 15 and above. 4 community teams participated in the play and learn tournament which was eventually won by Samba Boys. The youth learnt basic skills in starting business.

TYSA staff, children, youth, parents and stakeholders want to share their sincere gratitude to the donation that you made towards ensuring the celebration was a success. ‘On behalf of the parent committee and community council, want to thank you for your kind donation. It has made us proud in fulfilling our mandate. Your donation plus our donation ensured the children and youth get food, drink and medication during their stay here’ Mr Waasare, Chairperson Community council. ‘ We are humbled by your kind donation and ask that you continue with this good gesture into 2012’ Mss Atieno Oduor, a Girl leader and beneficiary

‘We take this opportunity to wish you a successful 2012 in your endeavors. We hope you will remember and continue to make your donations to support us continue with school, computer, child protection and participation and football programs’ Master Alex & Meshack, the Speaker of Youth Assembly and Junior assembly respectively

Holiday Play

Gichuki Francis — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:33:06 GMT

‘My two daughters Knight and Grace participate in the Holiday play events organized at TYSA. This has helped them to manage their holiday time well and they learn life skills. Before TYSA set up this holiday play event, my daughters used to be idle and often conflict was the order of the day. Today, I am very happy for them as they train in the field, study computer and attend learning session at the TYSA Girls Resource Centre’’ Mum Knight

Dear Friend,

Imagine a December holiday where child labor, drug abuse and girls pregnancy are common occurrence. Children are coming back to school in January frustrated and angry because they got into a fight or were buttered by their parents or still having hangover from drug use and some of the girls will not come back because they are pregnant.

The bottom line – December Holiday wasn't fun and nobody was in a good place to learn. Not a good situation for any child, is it? For most teachers and Parents, unhappy child after Holiday means more time and effort to get their class settled down for learning.

That's why TYSA is working with the community to provide December Holiday Play and Mentorship Activities. Junior mentorship Camp for under 14 years children including those with disability, Keeping My Dream Alive camp for vulnerable girls, and Play and learn Tournament for youth above 15 years. You can give the children the opportunity to play and Learn while receiving mentorship including computer sessions.

For the past 10 years TYSA has been partnering with rural based schools and villages in the community. We provide a full-time TYSAs' coach who uses organized games, conflict resolution tools, and our proven Plan and Learn activity to turn the playground into a virtual classroom where children learn essential life skills including teamwork, Respect, Effort, conflict resolution, and fair play.
67% of the children participating in our play and learn activities have shown great improvement in academic perform and 85% behavior change.

As you look towards the end of 2011, please consider making a $20-$100 gift to TYSA. Your gift will be put to use right away on our beneficiaries, who deserve the chance to play, learn and grow physically, emotionally and academically.

Thank you,

Gichuki Francis
Executive Director

Support Junior Leadership and Mentorship Camp

Gichuki Francis — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:45:59 GMT

junior assembly session

Dear Friend,
We have recently used $400 to help establish the junior assemblies for children under 14 years. Thanks to your help, the children are able to meet, debate and provide solutions to the problems facing them. The children have elected their leaders who now sit in the management team of TYSA. Your contribution helped the establishment and support of the junior assembly which is now active with 50 children. Thank you!

In December, 100 children aged 14 and below will organize a junior leadership and mentorship camp as from 8^th December to 12 December 2011. Before then, they have organized to visit 8 communities to have fun and educate their peers as from 28^th November to 6^th December 2011.

We urgently need to raise $ 1000 to support the junior leadership and mentorship camp in terms of food, transport, medication and training materials among others.

On October 19, GlobalGiving.org is matching at 30% all online donations up to $1,000 per donor per project! There is $100,000 available in matching funds on October 19. Once these matching funds are used, no more matching funds will be applied. In addition to the 30% match, GlobalGiving is offering a $1,000 bonus to the project that raises the most funds that day and a $1,000 bonus to the project that receives donations from the most individual donors!

Please donate to our project and support our children gain leadership and lifeskills! Your help is urgently needed and much appreciated!

children leaders

Memorable Experience!

Gichuki Francis — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:09:49 GMT

Children interacting

The journey started on 20th June 2011 from Kitale to Nairobi at 7:24am. We arrived at Kitale town at exactly ten minutes past eight. From there we took Matunda bus to Nairobi. Arriving at Nairobi we went to where we were supposed to stay. The following day morning we went to St Benedict Catholic Church to pick Kampala coach to us to Moshi.There, we take our breakfast in a hotel and then the buses were ready waiting for us. At about 11:40 am we started our journey ending to the border Namanga.We arrived at the border in the evening finding people very congested, we had to lay on the queue for the stamping of the passports and showing of vaccination cards so that we can allowed to enter Tanzania without any doubt. We continued with our journey after finishing the logistics in the border, we had to pass through Arusha Town to reach in Moshi Town. The journey was very long and tiresome especially for us as it was the first time to tour there. It was about 1000km from the Namanga border to Moshi Town. We really enjoyed the journey hence seeing many geographically features on the way. We arrived at Moshi Technical College at around 7:30 pm in the evening finding many participating team being already there. The climate there was cool and warm which was good for all participants up to the end of the tournament. The major key topics taught there was as follows: Leadership and Networking/community participation; Coaching-Laws of the game,Referee,First Aid e.g. injuries prevention and treatment/sport medicines and Kicking Aids out/drugs Other minor topics includes: Conflict resolution, Volunteerism, Youth rights e.g. fairplay/justice/environment/child labour issues and interfaith dialogue. In addition comes the basic values of networking and building of cultural understanding. These thematic areas were focused through daily seminars held during the tournament. All participants attended the seminars. Each session took 1hr 30min starting from 8:00am to 9:30am before the teams go to various fields to play. Every participant who attended the seminars got the certificate in every course attended. Stephen Kiprotich (10 years) ‘I spent Tanzania 1 full week playing football for the East Africa Cup. I was very happy because I saw many things like wild animals e.g. giraffes,antelope,ostrich,baboon,etc I thank the Tysa and Globalgiving for their support to make me step a foreign country Tanzania for my first time in life. Thanks all..

Children interacting

Breakfast

Support Children to Participate in East Africa Cup

Gichuki Francis — Wed, 11 May 2011 08:53:36 GMT

Children after practice

East Africa Cup 2011 Over 116 youth teams gather in Tanzania from 21st to 27th June 2011 from, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Norway for the East Africa Cup soccer tournament in Moshi Tanzania. TYSA for the first time will be participating in this annual event. It a great opportunity for our children to get exposure and interact with other children form over 10 countries. It is a learning moment for our children who have never traveled out of their village. ‘The furthest I have gone is Kitale town, which is 12 kilometers away from our office’ Newton (12 year old) ‘I am so excited. Cannot imagine that I am traveling to Moshi in Tanzania. I look foward to seeing the Tallest Mountain in Africa- Mt Kilimanjaro. I do not believe it. I am only 10 years old! God, Let it Happen!’ Joseph The funds we are requesting will facilitate 27 children and youth aged 10 to 16 (Boys) and 4 adults to participate in the East Africa Cup soccer tournament. We are seeking fare from Kitale to Nairobi and Back (The organizers will cater for us from Nairobi), purchase of two pairs of uniforms and sheen guards. What will your sponsorship do! US$19 is the cost of one pair of uniform fully branded with TYSA US$ 18 is fare of one player from Kitale to Nairobi and back US$10 buys a pair of sheen guards US$ 10 buys a pair of used soccer boots

Ball juggling

Children ' Parliament' Launched

Gichuki Francis — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:12:52 GMT

Ann Seeking votes

Children ‘Parliament’ Launched The program has grown to embrace various stakeholders in child development. It has built the capacities of children and parents to discuss openly issues affecting them. The program is playing a vital coordination and consultative role in the schools and community where TYSA works Capacities of the coordinator build around monitoring, investigation and evaluation of child abuse cases. This has enabled him to resolve the crisis which affected some of the girls in schools e.g. mwanga primary and kirita secondary. Children from TYSA endorsed the Children Voices 2010which helped them to share experiences and reached to more children. Children especially in schools and community are reporting cases of abuse to their mentors. That for the first time, children and parents discussed domestic budgeting together in the open forum. With more follows at home and frequent open forums, children issues will be implemented at domestic level TYSA has reviewed it organizational structure to include the children. This has enabled the children to contribute to the development of the organization. The structures allow children to participate in the decision making process of the organization. The small units of 10 children elect their leaders who meet in the ‘parliament’ to discuss and deliberate on the issues. These issues are taken to the TYSA management team by their ‘president’. Program secretaries who are also elected work very closely with the Program Coordinator, mentor s them in the work. The program secretaries form the ‘Cabinet’ with the president. The speaker and the clerk work together to run the affairs of the ‘Parliament’ We look forward to implementing this initiative in the coming months. It is one of its kinds in the country. It is going to be our main focus for the next 6 months. We are yet to train the ‘parliamentarians’ on their respective operations. The initiative requires stationery, chairs, tables, and other furniture to furnish the hall where the parliamentary sessions will take place. The children also require drinks and water, refreshments during the parliamentary sessions. We hope also to provide some clothing to make the sessions formal in order to raise the self esteem of the children. We are happy that we have finally taken off as we have been planning for this great initiative. Many other organizations have already started to admire this child participation and protection model. We hope to keep you informed of the progress of this noble initiative.

Alex ,Speaker of ' Parliament'

Parliamentary Team

Alex Voting

Juma, seeking votings

Links:

New TYSA website

Great Times for Children- The Future is Bright!

Gichuki Francis — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 07:53:56 GMT

kids swimming

Festive season always provide perfect opportunity for the children to interact and have fun! For the second year running, TYSA has organized children fun day! This year, some children had an opportunity to swim in a modern swimming pool. This was a blend of children from the local community and those in town with some experience. ‘We are very happy and delighted by this annual event that brings our children together and have fun! I could believe my eyes, as kids enjoyed swimming’ Mum Mary, a parent. Other activities included face painting, games and sports. Children enjoyed being out there and interacting with their peers. The community mentors and coaches also had their share of fun too.120 children and youth participated in this year’s event. In 2011/2012, TYSA Children participation and protection program will undergo major reforms to make it more responsive and participatory. This is after major consultation with the children in the last one year. We are going to create Junior Assemblies and Youth Assemblies. In the junior assembly children below age 15 will form units of 10 members each. In this unit, they will elect a Councilor, Governor and Senator. The Councilor will take care of the welfare of the unit. The Governor will be the chief executive of the e unit while the senator will represent the interest of the unit in the senate. All the senators from the units will form a Senate Assembly. The youth assembly will constitute ages 15 to 24. In their respective units, they will elect Member of Parliament and Women Representative. They will form the Youth Assembly. All the assemblies will be managed by a Speaker and helped by the clerks. A president will be elected by all the children and youth in the respective unit. The president will have a running mate. The president will run a small cabinet comprising of Program Secretaries as enshrined in the TYSA program areas of education, Child Protection etc. It is through these structures that we believe the children and youth will have greater opportunity to participate fully in the deliberations that affect them and their community. It is a more open approach through which the children will embrace democratic values and contributing to national development. We believe you will continue to offer your support and be part of this innovative way of localizing democracy and helping the society embrace democratic values. Watch a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHDrgcfkNLg

Face painting

sporting

Adventure

Links:

Video of kids swimming

Children Now Reporting Abuse Cases

Gichuki Francis — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 10:38:20 GMT

Kids in session

For the first time, children and parents discussed domestic budgeting together in the open forum. Capacities of the coordinator build around monitoring, investigation and evaluation of child abuse cases. This has enabled him to resolve the crisis which affected some of the girls in schools e.g. mwanga primary and kirita secondary.

Children from TYSA endorsed the Children Voices 2010, which helped them to share experiences and reached to more children. Children especially in schools and community are reporting cases of abuse to their mentors. This is a very positive move which is helping curb child abuse cases in the community.

In one of the school where we work, children reported a case where their friends had disappeared from school. The case was followed up.

Next year, TYSA is a strengthening child support units by establishing two assemblies i.e. junior and youth. These units are going to have elected Governor, Councilors and Senators. In their respective assemblies, they will deliberate on issues affecting and seek solutions to them.

We are looking forward to your continued support to establish this units within TYSA.

TYSA WINS MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS AWARD

Gichuki Francis — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 22:10:55 GMT

The award

TYSA WINS MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS AWARD IN KENYA TYSA emerged top on Inaugural Millennium Development Goal No. 3: Promoting gender equality and empowering women. The MDGs Trust Fund Kenya was the main organizer of this event which was held on 10th September 2010 at the National Museum of Kenya. Other partners include; UNDP Kenya country office, UN Millennium Campaign, Synovate and Microsoft among others The award seeks to recognize and celebrate Kenyan institutions that are making impactful differences in the society with regards to MDGs. The spotlight was on organizations that have demonstrated outstanding and innovating efforts towards the delivery o the eight MDG goals through their core porgrammes. The award also aims to recognize significant efforts made by various institutions to advance social change through their innovations and in their different capacities to achieve the MDGs. TYSA’s ‘Wasichana Tunaweza ‘- Girls We Can Project was outstanding in the delivery the MDG; promoting gender equality and empowering women. This project seeks to eliminate gender disparity through increased accesses to educational and retention and capacity building opportunities for girls.

The award considered many factors including the whole TYSA organization. Children, especially girls participation in decision making.The children have a big stake in this award as they are key players in the organization.Without their presence and contribution, we could not have just won the award.

TYSA wants to express gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who have support the girl’s project. We are humbled by your continued support which has made our work visible in Kenya. This is a great recognition to the work TYSA is doing to meet the Millennium Development Goals in Kenya

Young girls enjoy the award

Irene and Edith Participates in Children voices Conference in Nairobi

Gichuki Francis — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:11:58 GMT

Irene with friends in nairobi conference

The 2010 “Children’s Voices” conference was held on Saturday 3rd July 2010 at Nairobi Primary School and the theme was: “Your Constitution, Our Constitution- Our Future”. This year’s theme is a critical area of concern for children as right owners and other duty bearers.

For the first time ever,TYSA send two girls, Irene (15years) and, Edith (14years) who represented the entire Rift valley province. It was great privileged for TYSA to participate at such high National Level. The issues of children from rural kenya were heard.

Irene participated in the debate on parliament and executive while Edith participated in the governance debate. they all shared their understanding and experiences at the community level.Comparatives was done on how a village is governed and that of a city. The children from rural area new much about rural governance while those from the cities new about city management

The two,Irene and Edith enjoyed a lot ' I only used to hear about Parliament building where my Member of Parliament is.Today I have seen it.Exclaimed Irene. Seeing where the First President of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta Mausoleum is was awesome. ' I used to think that Stature there is Kenyatta.Today I have seen where he was buried' Edith. Christine and Steve took them to this exciting experience. They had to hold their hands through the busy Nairobi street as everything was exciting for the two girls It was a unique experience for Irene and Edith.Will keep you informed of their development. Thanks you for your continued support

Finally Parents Listening to Children

Gichuki Francis — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:14:26 GMT

Children face painting

During the day of the africa child celebrations on 16th June 2010, children for the very first in an open forum shared with their parents. It is not usual for children especially in the rural areas to tell their parents what they want or feel.

'I felt very good today.It is a day I will not forget it. For the very time, I told my parents that I dont get enough food' Master Julius,a class 4 pupil.The parents shared openly with their children. ' I have often ignored the children contribution.I have not been involving them in decision making at home.Iam surprised by how much these children Know' Mr John, a parent.

Over 500 school children and their parents paraticipated in this year day of the African Child on 16th June 2010 at the TYSA Girls Resource Centre. The Children Officer, Trans-nzoia district graced the day. Mr. Mule congratulated TYSA for organizing the celebration deep in the rural area where children are often left out. Mr Mule asked parents to offer opportunities to their children to express themselves as away of building confidence and democratic living. ' Its great to note the work TYSA is doing here in offering safe spaces for children and encouraging children participation' Mr Mule.

Along side the celebrations, children expressed themslves through Poems, dance, music and drama. The children in groups of 30 to 40 participated in Focused Group discussion on various topical issues especially on Planning and Budgeting at Home. It is at this group that Children highlighted challenges they face in planning and budgetting.It emerged that children are not involved in planning and budgeting at Home. ' Parents decide everything for us' Exclaimed Peter,a class 4 pupil.

At this forum, two girls were identified to represent them in the forthcoming Children Voices to be held in Nairobi on 3rd July 2010. It was great moment as the children elected who to represent them. US$ 200 will support the children to participate in this event.

At the end of the celebrations, both children and parents were upbeat and suggested such forums should be made often. It is your contribution that made this forum possible.

Participant

Parents and Children group photo

Parent with children

Parent and children to the forum

Safe Space provided for children

Gichuki Francis — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 06:57:47 GMT

Together in field

Over the last month of December, over 100 children participated in various activities organuzed to keep them off child labour.

Plays, games and sports were organized at the TYSA sports ground. ' I felt very safe here. At home they give me so much work an dhave no time to play' Susan, 9years old.

We want to thank for your donations which made it possible to offer safe space for the children. We are continuing with this activity till April 2010.

With Warm Regards Gichuki Francis

Coach with kids

No Christmas for children as Child labour Increases

Gichuki Francis — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:20:30 GMT

Children looking for work

Child Labour on the Increase

No Christmas for Children as they work to look for money

In this month of December, when schools have closed, hundreds of children are subjected to a lot of child labour. Each day in one village called Sokomoko, about 100 children leave their homes to go to maize farms to look for work to get pay. Many even do not have an opportunity to rest or play. Many are used a casual labourers by farmers while parents also take them along when going to harvest maize or beans. These children spent whole day in farms with out food. TYSA is running campaign ‘Keep the children out of Labour’ starting December till April Next year 2010.The TYSA sports field will be used to offer sporting and other forms of recreation for the children. Parents and or guardians will be give training on the rights of children at the TYSA girl’s resource centre 10US$ will offer sporting, recreation and a light meal each day for 15 days per child. Thanks you for being part of changing lives of children With Warm Regards Gichuki Francis

Children taking cover after being chased by adults

Una companied children

Give more-Get More Challenge

Gichuki Francis — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:11:18 GMT

Dear Friend Give More - Get More Challenge Thank you for your continued support to TYSA.We wanted to let you know about an exciting opportunity that we are participating in through our partners, GlobalGiving. When a donation is made to our project; Promote Children Participation www.globalgiving.com/3843 on GlobalGiving between November 10 and December 1, GlobalGiving will match that donation at 30%, 40% or 50%. And if we raise the most money or get the most donations, we are eligible for bonus awards up to $10,000. Matching funds are limited, so act quickly. You can help us raise more money and earn the GlobalGiving prize money by spreading the word! 1) Pass along this email to your friends and families and ask them to tell others. 2) If you are planning to make a donation this year to TYSA please do so by going to our project on GlobalGiving www.globalgiving.com/3843 Again our sincere thanks for your support and all you have done for TYSA Thank you, Gichuki Francis P.S. Pass this email along to friends and family!

Strengthening of Children Network

Gichuki Francis — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:18:26 GMT

National Workshop on Monitoring Violence against Children

We are a member of Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children Rights. Our Executive Director was in Mombasa attending a national workshop on monitoring violence against children 12th to 15th October 2009.

The workshop focused on helping civil societies to strength their networking in the areas of child protection and advocacy. The workshop enlisted some of the abuses and violence facing children including defilements, child labour, early pregnancies, school-drop outs, drug abuse, prostitution, and child headed families, Female Genital Mutilation among others.

TYSA Director Mr. Gichuki Francis was nominated interim secretary of the Rift Valley Provincial Children Rights Network to spearhead its formation. We believe TYSA will bring its vast experience in support child protection to the Provincial level. With your continued support, we shall help the children interact and develop strong links. Donate NOW With Warm Regards from TYSA

CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN UN GLOBAL PEACE GAMES

Gichuki Francis — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:12:01 GMT

Children use tug of war to promote peace

Children Participate in UN Global Peace Games

122 Children participated in this year UN Peace games on the 21st September 2009. The children Rights Club organized the event at the TYSA sports ground. Children participated in various sporting activities including soccer and tug of war. They had lots of fun!! Susan, 16 year old girl read the UN Special advisor on sports for Development and Peace. This was the first time the children participated in the organization of the event. Thanks to the formation of the Children Rights Club. ‘Am so happy and feels empowered. I could not believe that I could stand in front of 300 people an read the UN Message’ Susan. We want to thank all those who supported this event.

With Warm Regards from TYSA Gichuki Francis

Children Launch Children Rights Club

Gichuki Francis — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:18:27 GMT

Some children during the launch

32 children aged below 18 years old form 5 primary schools launched children Rights Club last Weekend at the TYSA Girls Resource Centre.

The children said they have been abused for along time and time has come fo rthem to defend themselves by knowing their rights. ' I have been denied access to school by my parents everytime asking me to go and work in the farm even during school day. Now iam going to face my mum and tell her it is my rigt to education' June, 14 years old . June was also elected as the chairperson the club.

We beleive by empowering the children to know their rights and obligations, tey will grow up to defend human rights. The club meets every saturday from 2pm to 3pm to acarry out various activities.

We seek for your donations to help these children achieve their goals.

warm Regards Gichuki Francis