Protection Services for 100 Rural Kenyan Children

Earlier this week, Mirai Future of Kenya reached out to and visited a number of community volunteers with whom we worked with during our Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) partnership project (2021-2023). The primary goal of this was to get their opinions and recommendations for our Nafasi project, which we hope to begin in December. These volunteers were a part of a bigger group that the chiefs and the assistant chiefs of Mwala Sub-County chose to participate in training on preventive measures against child abuse and early pregnancy. They are all conversant with the ground-level concerns related to child protection as a result.

One of the key issues we discussed with them was finding an appropriate location to rent as part of the pilot program. We received several suggestions including several public schools around the area that fit our requirements as mentioned in the previous report. We managed to tour one of the schools that most of the volunteers suggested to check out the amenities. We also received advice on how to guarantee the children's safety once they leave the centre. The volunteers proposed, in addition to the buddy system idea we had earlier, that community volunteers from each sub-location could connect with children from the same area and go home together, or they should choose youth leaders to lead the various groups back home.

We also received guidance on how to publicize the event and encourage children and young people to visit the facility. Most volunteers identified churches as ideal places and also schools just before students break for their December holiday. Parental consent is crucial before engaging the children and we intend to get it before allowing them to come to the safe space (Nafasi).

The volunteers did, however, have multiple instances of how child abuse and defilement cases were still increasing. In order to settle the cases informally, they also discovered collaboration among village leaders, medical professionals, government officials, and parents of the victims. One outstanding example is the way salon proprietors in Masii Town acted as middlemen between older males and younger ladies, including high school students, with the intention of performing sexual acts. The owner of the salon receives a portion of the proceeds after enabling this. The volunteers consistently conveyed the message that, in order to promote behaviour change and lower the number of defilement and child abuse cases, parents and the general public need to be made more aware of these issues.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Anne Waichinga as part of our fundraising efforts. Anne is the executive director of Uhai Bora, a company that works to improve children's social and emotional development. Social emotional learning includes teaching children how to effectively manage their own lives, understand others and nurture healthy relationships, face daily obstacles, and interact with their environment productively.

She also has a wealth of expertise in the field of child protection, having held positions as Associate Director of Protection and Education at World Vision and County Coordinator for the Directorate of Children's Services.

Children that attend Nafasi will receive enough life skills from facilitators to help them avoid child abuse, juvenile delinquency, and early pregnancy. We have seen a considerable improvement in the prevention of juvenile delinquencies and anti-social behaviour because to our work in Athi-River. The six chosen schools have been teaching their students a variety of life skills, including as decision-making, emotional regulation, and self-awareness and self-esteem. Consider assertive communication as an example. A child can avoid using drugs or other substances improperly or even committing crimes if they are able to convey their emotions and even say "no" in clear, solid terms when faced with peer pressure.

We were able to discuss a variety of child protection-related subjects, including what life skills are and why they are crucial for children, thanks to Anne. We also received an overview of the life skills programs that are now offered in Kenya, including how these courses are either neglected or infused with other subjects taught in primary and secondary education. We have included a link to Anne's video clip discussing how life skills contribute to reducing vulnerability among children.

Links:

• A link to an interview clip with Anne.