Child Rights

Disrupted migrating families, accumulated family debts passed from one generation to the next, lack of educational facilities, ineffective government policies and many other factors combine to make children extremely vulnerable in the project locations. Many children still work to contribute to the livelihoods of their families and communities. In remote areas, the majority of children remain unregistered, which may cause difficulties for them throughout their lives.

CYSD aims to help children to acquire useful skills, and develop their ability to make independent choices. At the same time, awareness is raised amongst adults from all levels of the community on the rights of children.

Community Awareness and Training:

Awareness is raised among representatives of the local self-governance institutions, teachers and other service providers through information, education and communication activities. Training programmes are delivered to educate communities and children on child rights, especially in relation to children's participation in community development.

Training programmes also educate communities and parents on the importance of birth certificates, and encourage them to apply for birth registration and certificates. Bands of child rights mentors are formed to raise awareness and to work closely with children in the communities.

Children's Groups:

Groups are set up to engage children in community life and in the village development process, and to monitor their well being at home, in school and in their immediate environment. The groups monitor and check up on school dropouts, out of school children, and instances of abuse of children at home and at school. Children's groups initiate dialogue with adults on schooling, nutrition and other community development activities.

Media Clubs:

Children are trained on how to form media clubs. The clubs offer a child-friendly and stimulating environment, which is free of violence and abuse. These clubs publish regular magazines and newspapers, which print the thoughts and writings of the children and also address issues of child rights. Children's observations and reporting of news, events and situations emphasise their role in influencing decision-making. Creative self-expression by children strengthens the quality of child participation and nurtures the ability of children to acquire knowledge and critical learning skills.