Stakeholders within the protection of children’s rights have appealed for dialogue between teachers, parents and learners to address child labour, abuse, sexual and gender based violence.
South Imenti Children’s Officer Pauline Mukami urged residents to remain vigilant in protecting children’s rights and reporting cases of abuse.
She said that safeguarding children was a collective responsibility that would contribute to building a healthier and safer society.
Meru County Executive Committee Member for Sports and Gender Elius Murega and County Director of Gender Hellen Kaberia urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue as a way of reducing school unrest and addressing challenges facing learners.
Murega, who presided over the distribution of water tanks to primary schools in the ward, said the county government led governor Mutuma M’Ethingia was working to address water shortages in learning institutions and communities.
This was according the Day’s Celebrations Theme: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.”
“I urge parents to be good ambassadors to their children. The unrest we are witnessing in some schools today is partly because learners imitate what they see adults doing, including protests and destruction of property. We are also lobbying for the establishment of a children’s court in Meru,” said Murega.
Madam Kaberia called on parents, teachers and guardians to play a stronger counselling role and guide children through the challenges they face.
“It is difficult for today’s children to imagine that some of us walked to school barefoot. We must walk this journey together and use dialogue to resolve the issues affecting learners,” she said.
Meru County Labour officer coordinator Catherine Kaberia said the Country loses 40% of income on tea and coffee value chains due to child labour.
“Keep children in school. Say no to employment of children. Speek up when things are not going well at home or in school or community,” she said.
Speakers at the event commended Mukami for her efforts in reducing cases of child labour, child abuse and sexual and gender-based violence in South Imenti.Children’s rights stakeholders in Meru County have raised concern over increasing cases of child labour, abuse and the concealment of evidence when children are victimized, prompting renewed calls for dialogue between parents, teachers and learners to address the growing challenges.
The concerns were raised during the Day of the African Child celebrations held at St Joseph Primary School in Igoji West, South Imenti.
The annual event, officially marked on June 16, commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, where students protested against poor-quality education and apartheid policies.
Speaking on behalf of Meru County Commissioner George Omollo, Deputy County Commissioner Benson Mbithi warned adults who prey on school-going children for sexual exploitation, saying such practices threaten the future of young people.
In his message, Omollo emphasized the need to nurture, protect and empower children to realize their full potential.
“Your opportunities are limitless. Children have a right to education, protection against discrimination, abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, and must be provided with a dignified environment to thrive and grow into healthy and productive citizens,” said Omollo.
The celebrations brought together government officials, teachers, parents, learners and child rights advocates who renewed their commitment to protecting children from exploitation and ensuring their rights are upheld.
