Second Annual Children Forum

In order to strengthen CHILD PARTICIPATION, BCN (Bring Change Now) in collaboration with other partners has organized Second Annual Children Forum on 3rd January 2024 which took place in Jabana sector of Gasabo district.     The forum has the main objective of empowering Children Committees so that they feel comfortable to fulfill their responsivities.

This children forum is organized just after the national children summit which involves around 1700 children representives from all over the country of Rwanda and 2 children respresentives who live in Jabana sector attended it. It was a good opportunity for them to share with the participants what they have learnt from national summit.

The children forum was attended by 40 participants mainly children's committee. The forum has been attended also by Friends of Family representative, Social welfare Officer from Jabana sector and a staff representing National Children Development Agency (NCDA) in Gasabo district.

The objectives of the children forum

• Capacity building for children committee
• A platform for children who attended national summit to share what they learnt from it
• A platform for children to share their views regarding their participation in actions concerning them
• Supporting the children from vulnerable families with school materials

During the discussion with BCN representative, Isaie Mihigo, he explained to the participants about the mission and vision of BCN. He continues his speech by explaining the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) in which CHILD PARTICIPATION was adopted as one of the UNCRC Principles. He emphasized that BCN has chosen to promote CHILD PARTICIPATION as it has been revealed that there is a gap in that area. BCN representative told the children that BCN is ready to collaborate with them in future activities they may plan to promote child participation.

The children have been given opportunities to discuss in small groups about the problems they encountered in their communities and proposed some solutions.

 

After the group discussion, the children have been given opportunity to share to the entire group the outcomes from small groups. Some problems affecting children have been identified such as family conflict, school drop out, drugs additions, street children, poverty. The children proposed some solutions or requesst like having regular meetings with local leaders to present their problems, having more opportunities for children from vulnerable families. They suggested also to have regular discussions with parents about children rights. The children requested this Children Forum to be regularly and be expanded to many children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the speech of WIBABARA Justine, who represented Jabana sector, she appreciated the work done by the children committee and encouraged them to continue doing the same. She added that the government is committed to support the children so that they continue feel protected and valued. She requested children representatives to share with local leaders any information they may be aware regarding any child in situation of being abused or another situation which can put the child at risk so that they provide support on time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NCDA Staff in Gasabo District, MUKASINE Winifrida explained the role of NCDA which is to promote the children rights. She appreciated the children who accepted to be representatives of their peers. She continued expressing the willingness of her institution to work closely with children committees so that they can perform better their responsibilities. She advised the children representatives to be a good exemplary in all actions they do as they serve as role model of their peers.

At the end of the event, BCN has provided school materials to children from vulnerable families so that they can attend school well.

BCN will continue hosting this Children Forum event regularly and would like to call other partners to join us so that it can reach more children in different locations. The Child Participation is the key for children growth towards their bright future.