Written by Alice Njoki
On November 25th and 26th in Westlands, Nairobi, Child Frontiers hosted an Open Space Dialogue that gathered over 50 participants, including children, social workers, community leaders, technical experts, and government representatives (DCS officers). The goal was to move beyond traditional forums and create an inclusive environment to genuinely identify and discuss the trends that will define the future well-being and rights of children.
Departing from conventional meeting structures, characterized by pre-set agendas, lengthy speeches, and adult-led panels, Child Frontiers implemented a self-organizing, inclusive methodology. This innovative approach ensured that every voice, especially those of children, held equal value. Participants themselves set the agenda, proposing topics they felt were most critical and then forming focused discussion groups based on their passion and interest. The atmosphere was deliberately free, relaxed, and built on the foundational principle of co-creation.
The Open Space format successfully generated a rich and candid exchange across diverse issues impacting young people today.
The discussions coalesced around several urgent themes, demonstrating the breadth of challenges and opportunities facing children:
- Tackling Harmful Stereotypes: We focused on how negative labels and rigid cultural norms limit opportunities and damage the self-confidence of young people. Children articulated their urgent need to be seen and listened to beyond adult assumptions, advocating for recognition of their true identities and potential.
- Comprehensive Reproductive Health and Teenage Pregnancy: We addressed the stigma and isolation experienced by young mothers, the impact of limited support systems, and the pervasive risk caused by a lack of comprehensive information. The group emphasized the need for open, non-judgmental conversations about sexuality, safety, and support in place of shame.
- The Broader Agenda: Other groups engaged on subjects ranging from meaningful child participation and safeguarding best practices to budgeting for children’s services, online safety, mental health, and adapting to the rapidly changing environmental contexts.
It was remarkable to observe young participants confidently sharing their expertise and insights while adults engaged with respect, asking clarifying questions, and committing to listen.
Participants overwhelmingly cited the event as a rare and significant experience. Children shared that this was one of the few spaces where they felt fully included and engaged, treated as equal partners rather than being delegated to “childish activities.” This recognition is important as it underscores the importance of genuine inclusion over tokenism.
For Child Frontiers, the success of the dialogue extends beyond mere engagement. It highlights the imperative for adults to actively listen, commit to tangible action, and provide transparent follow-up on the solutions and ideas generated by young people. This is the definition of true participation where ideas lead to impact.