Should children be seen and not heard???

“In today’s world children have become strong advocates and change makers where they stand up for their right to education, speak up against violence, and fight for climate and social justice.” Says Daniel Mulati, Summit Coordinator and Child Participation Manager at Mtoto News, earlier today on 6th April 2023 at a press conference in Boma Hotel.

Days to the African Children Summit, Mtoto News Organization hosted a press conference on the African children summit. Speaking at the Conference, Daniel Mulati emphasized the importance of child participation by pointing out how the process of child participation instills the values of democracy and citizenship.

He said, “Consulting with children and listening to their views adds new perspectives in development of policies and programs that have an impact on children, also when children’s views are respected then this will aid in protecting children from situations of abuse, violence, threat or injustice.”

The Africa children is aiming to share and address challenges that children are facing in an era of newly emerging risks, such as pandemics and climate change. The discussion will be about the positives, what might be worrying and anything that needs to change to enable the child to be safer.

Participants, including children, representatives of Civil Society Organizations, public figures, experts and government officials, will discuss and showcase new risks and new opportunities in child participation in the rapidly changing world. 

Speaking about the African children summit, Brian King, Children Summit committee coordinator said, “it is important to recognize that children are a vital part of any society, and their voices should be heard in matters that affect them. When children are involved in decision-making processes, it not only empowers them but also leads to better outcomes for the community, the country and the world in general.”

He stated that the African Children Summit is aiming to amplify the voices of children across Africa by providing a platform for them to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas.

Speaking at the conference, Liz Busisa, the safeguarding focal person of the African Children Summit said, ” We have invited children from other Countries and children in Kenya to come to Nairobi for the Summit, and so we have put in place safeguarding measures so as to make sure that children, who will be participating and attending the summit are well taken care of and their needs are met.”

” Safeguarding measures are the backbone of the Summit as we want to create a safe space for children, where they will be able to share their experiences amongst other children.”

Busisa listed numerous safeguarding measures in place including Mtoto News’s child protection and safeguarding policies, and other organization’s safeguarding policies-organizations which will be bringing their children into the country.

She added that, “Safeguarding policies includes trusted adults chaperones who will be accompanying children in and out of the summit. nonetheless, parents should also consent to their children to attend the meeting”

“Mtoto News and partners have also conducted a safeguarding risk assessment at the venue the summit is to take place, in order to make sure that wherever all children, including children with disabilities will be interacting will be safe, this includes the walkways and the rooms they will be sleeping in,”

Provided with skills, opportunities and space to engage, the world’s children today can become the largest generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers the world has ever seen. And that is why, The African children Summit is  investing in children’s development and making sure that all children will have the opportunity to share their views and opinions expecting positive feedback.

The Summit to be held in Nairobi between the 10th – 12th April will be graced by over 100 Children from across Africa, Prof. Philip Jaffe – the Vice Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Dr. Najat M’Jid Maalla – the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, 3 honorable members of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Hon. Lady Justice Martha Koome -the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, and Lady Justice Teresiah Mumbua Matheka -Chairperson of the NCAJ Standing Committee on Access to and Administration of Justice for Children in Kenya. 

Mtoto News welcomes you all to join the Inaugural Africa Children Summit!