summer 2011 report
DESCRIPTION
Our Summer 2011 report.TRANSCRIPT
Why I support Children in Crisis...by one Extreme Mother!
I strongly believe that every child in this
world should have the right to education, as it is the only way to try to take your own future in your hands. If a
child can read and write, they can access information, express themselves, become independent and amongst many things, fill
in voting papers. I never forget how fortunate I was to be born in country which was peaceful and where the standard of education was excellent. The same happened with my four children who were born and raised in England.
When I decided to push myself to my limits by crossing Greenland on skis, pulling my sleds, I came across Children in Crisis and, as we
share the same philosophy, I decided to raise money for them. It was an incredibly tough physical and mental expedition but I am so glad I did it. Not only has it has made me more positive, confident and happy, but vulnerable
children will be benefitting too - what could be better than that?
Sabine
After 22 days of ski-ing 550km across the Arctic Circle, Sabine Diederichs aka Extreme Mother, has completed the absolute challenge of a lifetime for Children in Crisis and Right To Play. A huge CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Sabine – she is a real inspiration to us and to all the women in the world putting themselves through extremes to give vulnerable children hope for the future!
ReadSabine’scaptivating blogbyvisiting www.extrememother.blogspot.com
Youcanalsosupportbyvisiting herfundraisingpage www.justgiving.com/sabinediederichs
Printedon100%recycledpaper
A chance to learn, a chance in life
REPORTS SUMMER2011
Classrooms beyond conflict
Howyoursupportreachestheunreachable
Pupils of Mufariji PrimarySchool,DRCongo
Photo: Amy Parker
Signature
Date
I would like to help Children in Crisis
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other
First name
Surname
Address
Postcode
Tel
I would like to donate
£15 £30 £50 £100 Other£ ..............
I enclose a cheque / PO / CAF voucher made payable to Children in Crisis
Please debit my VISA Mastercard Maestro (Switch)
CAF charity card AMEXCard No.
Start date Expiry date
Issue No.
Please tick if you DONOT require a receipt
Make your donation worth more!
Yes,IamaUKtaxpayer and would like Children in Crisis to reclaim the tax on all my donations made this year, in the previous four years and on all future donations. Please note, you must pay an amount of income tax or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax we reclaim on your donations in the appropriate tax year. Tax year is 6 April one year to 5 April the next. Date:
Inaccordancewiththe1998DataProtectionAct,ChildreninCrisiswillholdyourdetailstoprovideyouwithupdatesaboutourworkandwhatyouarehelpingusachieve.Ifyoudonotwanttoreceiveanyfurthercommunicationfromus,includingournewsletter,[email protected] write to Children in Crisis, 206 - 208 Stewart’s Road, London SW8 4UB.
Pleasesendmenewsandupdatesbyemail(you may unsubscribe at any time).
You can also donate online at: www.childrenincrisis.org
Return this form to: FREEPOSTRLXH-JJAR-RYSG,ChildreninCrisis, 206-208 Stewart’s Road, London SW8 4UB
Why I support Children in Crisis...by one Extreme Mother!
I strongly believe that every child in this
world should have the right to education, as it is the only way to try to take your own future in your hands. If a
child can read and write, they can access information, express themselves, become independent and amongst many things, fill
in voting papers. I never forget how fortunate I was to be born in country which was peaceful and where the standard of education was excellent. The same happened with my four children who were born and raised in England.
When I decided to push myself to my limits by crossing Greenland on skis, pulling my sleds, I came across Children in Crisis and, as we
share the same philosophy, I decided to raise money for them. It was an incredibly tough physical and mental expedition but I am so glad I did it. Not only has it has made me more positive, confident and happy, but vulnerable
children will be benefitting too - what could be better than that?
Sabine
After 22 days of ski-ing 550km across the Arctic Circle, Sabine Diederichs aka Extreme Mother, has completed the absolute challenge of a lifetime for Children in Crisis and Right To Play. A huge CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Sabine – she is a real inspiration to us and to all the women in the world putting themselves through extremes to give vulnerable children hope for the future!
ReadSabine’scaptivating blogbyvisiting www.extrememother.blogspot.com
Youcanalsosupportbyvisiting herfundraisingpage www.justgiving.com/sabinediederichs
Printedon100%recycledpaper
A chance to learn, a chance in life
REPORTS SUMMER2011
Classrooms beyond conflict
Howyoursupportreachestheunreachable
Pupils of Mufariji PrimarySchool,DRCongo
Photo: Amy Parker
Signature
Date
I would like to help Children in Crisis
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other
First name
Surname
Address
Postcode
Tel
I would like to donate
£15 £30 £50 £100 Other£ ..............
I enclose a cheque / PO / CAF voucher made payable to Children in Crisis
Please debit my VISA Mastercard Maestro (Switch)
CAF charity card AMEXCard No.
Start date Expiry date
Issue No.
Please tick if you DONOT require a receipt
Make your donation worth more!
Yes,IamaUKtaxpayer and would like Children in Crisis to reclaim the tax on all my donations made this year, in the previous four years and on all future donations. Please note, you must pay an amount of income tax or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax we reclaim on your donations in the appropriate tax year. Tax year is 6 April one year to 5 April the next. Date:
Inaccordancewiththe1998DataProtectionAct,ChildreninCrisiswillholdyourdetailstoprovideyouwithupdatesaboutourworkandwhatyouarehelpingusachieve.Ifyoudonotwanttoreceiveanyfurthercommunicationfromus,includingournewsletter,[email protected] write to Children in Crisis, 206 - 208 Stewart’s Road, London SW8 4UB.
Pleasesendmenewsandupdatesbyemail(you may unsubscribe at any time).
You can also donate online at: www.childrenincrisis.org
Return this form to: FREEPOSTRLXH-JJAR-RYSG,ChildreninCrisis, 206-208 Stewart’s Road, London SW8 4UB
Children in Crisis206-208 Stewart’s Road London SW8 4UB
Telephone +44 (0)20 7627 1040Fax +44 (0)20 7627 1050
E-mail [email protected] www.childrenincrisis.org
Founder and Life PresidentSarah, Duchess of York
Registered office as addressReg Charity No. 1020488Company No. 2815817
Welcome
So what’s new in our future vision? Rather than reiterate the fundamental reasons why Children in Crisis exists I want to share with you some of the things that are different in our future goals and some things which I believe will inspire the important people – you, the teams we work with and most importantly the children and communities we help.
Ourvisioncouldnotbeclearer.Over the next three years we will continue paying attention to children who are disadvantaged for reasons of ethnicity, gender, income or other factors. Girls face consistent discrimination and they remain one of our top priorities but we also need to help other out-of-school children gain access to education such as children with
KoyThomsonwithpupilsattendinganacceleratedlearningclassinoneofourcommunity-basededucationcentresinKabul,Afghanistan.
Photo: Bethan Williams
disabilities. We want to see more healthy mothers because their health, education and wellbeing are inseparable from a child’s health, education and wellbeing, starting at pregnancy and continuing through schooling. We want to see more women being elevated and given the power and voice to change things within their communities. And we see ourselves doing more active advocacy, creative campaigning and outreach work to ensure that children’s voices are heard.
Thankstoyou,ChildreninCrisishasamassedadiversewealthofexperience spanning maternal health, health education, street children, adult literacy, working with excluded groups, quality education, school build and rehabilitation, teacher training, vocational training, child protection and working with local partners – all delivered under extremely complex circumstances.
This work will continue but we want to bring all of our experience together so that all the areas where we currently work benefit from a holistic approach. We also want to take all of the difficult things that keep children out of school, bring them together and apply new solutions to overcome them.
Underlying this is our choice to continue working in countries affected by conflict, and specifically in remote and difficult areas where few others currently tread. We know how unstable situations can get so we will ensure that our solutions are resilient and adaptable by local communities if things go wrong.
Finally, I need to speak about the children and how great they are to work with. We talk so much about ‘vulnerability’ and protection, but children are also resilient, hopeful and seemingly uncrushable in even the toughest of environments. That alone is wonderful inspiration for our work.
Thankyou–wecouldn’tkeepdoingthisvaluableworkwithoutyou.
KoyThomson Chief Executive, Children in Crisis
WelcometoanexcitingandbusysummereditionofReportswhichfollowsthelaunchofournewthree-yearstrategy:Achancetolearn,achanceinlife.
Children in Crisis - Our new mission
Whereresourcesarefew,whereeducationisneededtohealthenation,andwhereitistooremoteforothers,ouraim
is to support children to read, write, think, pursue their life goalsandcontributepositivelytotheircommunities.
Whereyour moneygoes:
Programmes 73%
Fundraising 26%
Governance 1%
Expenditure byactivity:
Education – Schools 28%
Education – Community 28%
Education – Health 17%
Children in Crisis206-208 Stewart’s Road London SW8 4UB
Telephone +44 (0)20 7627 1040Fax +44 (0)20 7627 1050
E-mail [email protected] www.childrenincrisis.org
Founder and Life PresidentSarah, Duchess of York
Registered office as addressReg Charity No. 1020488Company No. 2815817
Welcome
So what’s new in our future vision? Rather than reiterate the fundamental reasons why Children in Crisis exists I want to share with you some of the things that are different in our future goals and some things which I believe will inspire the important people – you, the teams we work with and most importantly the children and communities we help.
Ourvisioncouldnotbeclearer.Over the next three years we will continue paying attention to children who are disadvantaged for reasons of ethnicity, gender, income or other factors. Girls face consistent discrimination and they remain one of our top priorities but we also need to help other out-of-school children gain access to education such as children with
KoyThomsonwithpupilsattendinganacceleratedlearningclassinoneofourcommunity-basededucationcentresinKabul,Afghanistan.
Photo: Bethan Williams
disabilities. We want to see more healthy mothers because their health, education and wellbeing are inseparable from a child’s health, education and wellbeing, starting at pregnancy and continuing through schooling. We want to see more women being elevated and given the power and voice to change things within their communities. And we see ourselves doing more active advocacy, creative campaigning and outreach work to ensure that children’s voices are heard.
Thankstoyou,ChildreninCrisishasamassedadiversewealthofexperience spanning maternal health, health education, street children, adult literacy, working with excluded groups, quality education, school build and rehabilitation, teacher training, vocational training, child protection and working with local partners – all delivered under extremely complex circumstances.
This work will continue but we want to bring all of our experience together so that all the areas where we currently work benefit from a holistic approach. We also want to take all of the difficult things that keep children out of school, bring them together and apply new solutions to overcome them.
Underlying this is our choice to continue working in countries affected by conflict, and specifically in remote and difficult areas where few others currently tread. We know how unstable situations can get so we will ensure that our solutions are resilient and adaptable by local communities if things go wrong.
Finally, I need to speak about the children and how great they are to work with. We talk so much about ‘vulnerability’ and protection, but children are also resilient, hopeful and seemingly uncrushable in even the toughest of environments. That alone is wonderful inspiration for our work.
Thankyou–wecouldn’tkeepdoingthisvaluableworkwithoutyou.
KoyThomson Chief Executive, Children in Crisis
WelcometoanexcitingandbusysummereditionofReportswhichfollowsthelaunchofournewthree-yearstrategy:Achancetolearn,achanceinlife.
Children in Crisis - Our new mission
Whereresourcesarefew,whereeducationisneededtohealthenation,andwhereitistooremoteforothers,ouraim
is to support children to read, write, think, pursue their life goalsandcontributepositivelytotheircommunities.
Whereyour moneygoes:
Programmes 73%
Fundraising 26%
Governance 1%
Expenditure byactivity:
Education – Schools 28%
Education – Community 28%
Education – Health 17%
Sierra Leone: A reason to celebrate “HIV and AIDS is a global problem and as such, Sierra Leone is not immune!” These were the words from one of the teachers who had completed our HIV/AIDS training last year. Following the completion of this project in Sierra Leone, an evaluation was carried out which found that students, parents and teachers were much more informed about the risks and causes of HIV and AIDS. We have received some excellent feedback, one teacher said: “This is not just a programme about HIV and AIDS. This is a programme that has helped teachers teach children about important life skills.” Another teacher commented: “The training that teachers have received has changed their behaviour and practices. I stay with one partner; I always use a condom.” We are especially pleased because for the past 7 years Children in Crisis, along with our local partners FAWE (Forum for African Women Educationalists), has been working to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in remote parts of Sierra Leone. We are now assessing our next steps in line with our new three-year strategy.
DR Congo: Did you send the cow back?We send another huge thanks to everyone who responded with gifts and messages in response to our “Send the cow back” appeal in Easter.
It told the story of Mugilanesa, a brave 14-year old girl who refused to get married in exchange for cows, a common practice on the plateau in Eastern DR Congo.
Our community workshops teach about the importance of girls’ rights and their right to education. But they are also a vital forum for girls like Mugilanesa who from attending one of our workshops found the power to say ‘no’ to marriage just days before her wedding.
This story is a must-read, if you missed it you can read it on our website www.childrenincrisis.org/our-work/democratic-republic-congo
You can also donate by returning the form at the back of Reports.
Afghanistan: Child Rights A new project is successfully underway in Afghanistan. Through this work we promote the rights of children, especially girls, to have access to a quality education free from violence. Despite the ongoing challenges preventing millions of children from attending school this project has been a huge success: around 1,000 teachers and parents have attended either awareness-raising workshops or have received training on positive discipline as well as child rights in the context of Islam. We have also ensured that local police officers have received important information on child rights. As a result of this work, over 20,000 children will benefit from better practices and attitudes towards them.
Liberia: Learning ladies leap to liberation!River Cess County, Liberia was a place of joyful celebration last month at the graduation ceremony for women who finished their very first course at our Vocational Training Centre. Ambitious participants have been learning a variety of useful, practical skills such as tailoring, pastry-making and hairdressing. The Centre also runs literacy classes for women who have missed out on a primary education.
I can now write
my own name, I can go to the hospital without asking
the nurses to write or spell my name for me. Our parents never sent us to
school to learn this when we were young girls, but the FAWE-CIC adult literacy
programme has given me a new start.
A woman attending our Vocational Training Centre in River Cess County, Liberia
What has been
particularly striking about this project is its impact on the
wider community... Local Mullahs have spread positive messages about
child rights in Friday prayers and a policeman proudly told me that children now say hello to him in the street rather
than being afraid of him.
Bethan Williams, Programme Manager for Afghanistan
How are we doing?
Sierra Leone: A reason to celebrate “HIV and AIDS is a global problem and as such, Sierra Leone is not immune!” These were the words from one of the teachers who had completed our HIV/AIDS training last year. Following the completion of this project in Sierra Leone, an evaluation was carried out which found that students, parents and teachers were much more informed about the risks and causes of HIV and AIDS. We have received some excellent feedback, one teacher said: “This is not just a programme about HIV and AIDS. This is a programme that has helped teachers teach children about important life skills.” Another teacher commented: “The training that teachers have received has changed their behaviour and practices. I stay with one partner; I always use a condom.” We are especially pleased because for the past 7 years Children in Crisis, along with our local partners FAWE (Forum for African Women Educationalists), has been working to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in remote parts of Sierra Leone. We are now assessing our next steps in line with our new three-year strategy.
DR Congo: Did you send the cow back?We send another huge thanks to everyone who responded with gifts and messages in response to our “Send the cow back” appeal in Easter.
It told the story of Mugilanesa, a brave 14-year old girl who refused to get married in exchange for cows, a common practice on the plateau in Eastern DR Congo.
Our community workshops teach about the importance of girls’ rights and their right to education. But they are also a vital forum for girls like Mugilanesa who from attending one of our workshops found the power to say ‘no’ to marriage just days before her wedding.
This story is a must-read, if you missed it you can read it on our website www.childrenincrisis.org/our-work/democratic-republic-congo
You can also donate by returning the form at the back of Reports.
Afghanistan: Child Rights A new project is successfully underway in Afghanistan. Through this work we promote the rights of children, especially girls, to have access to a quality education free from violence. Despite the ongoing challenges preventing millions of children from attending school this project has been a huge success: around 1,000 teachers and parents have attended either awareness-raising workshops or have received training on positive discipline as well as child rights in the context of Islam. We have also ensured that local police officers have received important information on child rights. As a result of this work, over 20,000 children will benefit from better practices and attitudes towards them.
Liberia: Learning ladies leap to liberation!River Cess County, Liberia was a place of joyful celebration last month at the graduation ceremony for women who finished their very first course at our Vocational Training Centre. Ambitious participants have been learning a variety of useful, practical skills such as tailoring, pastry-making and hairdressing. The Centre also runs literacy classes for women who have missed out on a primary education.
I can now write
my own name, I can go to the hospital without asking
the nurses to write or spell my name for me. Our parents never sent us to
school to learn this when we were young girls, but the FAWE-CIC adult literacy
programme has given me a new start.
A woman attending our Vocational Training Centre in River Cess County, Liberia
What has been
particularly striking about this project is its impact on the
wider community... Local Mullahs have spread positive messages about
child rights in Friday prayers and a policeman proudly told me that children now say hello to him in the street rather
than being afraid of him.
Bethan Williams, Programme Manager for Afghanistan
How are we doing?
Inspiring teachers, good schools, star pupils!Children in Crisis has been doing some fantastic work with our partners Eben-Ezer Ministries International. During my very first trip to South Kivu in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, I saw some of the excellent progress we’ve made in our teacher training and school building programmes thanks to your wonderful support!Minembwe is a vast region with isolated villages that stand miles apart and take hours to reach, yet last year we managed to train all teachers and head teachers from 18 of the primary schools in this region. During my
visit, I saw many differences in the standards and achievements between each school, however one thing stood out for them all – quality teaching and sheer commitment. The teachers I spoke to were all eager to report the improvements made in their schools since they completed our training course last August. And it really showed.
A prime example is in Mufariji Primary School which is led by a trained and very passionate, competent head teacher who happens to be a head of the community. All of the teachers here now use an interesting mix of teaching aids and methods, as well as getting the children up and active in class through group work, games and singing.
My next stop was Bipimo where we are rebuilding a primary school. Over the years, the local climate has not always been the only hurdle in the way of our school building and teacher training programme on the Plateau. Sporadic outbreaks of conflict have blighted community efforts to rebuild their lives and it has caused widespread devastation to schools, preventing hundreds of children from attending school. However, with the integration of the FRF (Federalist Republican Forces) into the Congolese Defence Force on 25th January 2011, hopes are high. Throughout our stay people recounted the story, stating that it was now time for peace.
Bipimo was one of the schools severely damaged by the fighting. Now, in its place, stands rather excitingly a newly constructed school. During the wet season heavy rains had made roads impassable and slowed down our progress – at one point our team had to abandon the truck and walk for two hours over marshland the rest of the way. However when we arrived it was an impressive sight, partly because the
community rejected a decision to wait until the wet season was over to finish the build - what determination!
WiththeprogrammeinDRCongonowatacrucialstageofdevelopmentandexpansion,excitingtimesareahead. Our teacher training team has doubled in size and by 2014 we want to ensure all of the children across the Plateau of Eastern DR Congo are attending school.
None of this would be possible withoutthekindnessandgenerosityofourfantasticChildreninCrisissupporters,sothankyou!
You can support our programmes and
read more about our work by visiting our website
www.childrenincrisis.org
AmyParker,ProgrammeManagerforDRCongoandnewest member of the ChildreninCrisisteam!
Photo: Sarah Rowse
Last year, we trained all teachers
and head teachers from 18
primary schools
85% of teachers are now
using active and participatory
teaching methods
The two new schools we built in DRC last year will benefit over
700 children
Inspiring teachers, good schools, star pupils!Children in Crisis has been doing some fantastic work with our partners Eben-Ezer Ministries International. During my very first trip to South Kivu in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, I saw some of the excellent progress we’ve made in our teacher training and school building programmes thanks to your wonderful support!Minembwe is a vast region with isolated villages that stand miles apart and take hours to reach, yet last year we managed to train all teachers and head teachers from 18 of the primary schools in this region. During my
visit, I saw many differences in the standards and achievements between each school, however one thing stood out for them all – quality teaching and sheer commitment. The teachers I spoke to were all eager to report the improvements made in their schools since they completed our training course last August. And it really showed.
A prime example is in Mufariji Primary School which is led by a trained and very passionate, competent head teacher who happens to be a head of the community. All of the teachers here now use an interesting mix of teaching aids and methods, as well as getting the children up and active in class through group work, games and singing.
My next stop was Bipimo where we are rebuilding a primary school. Over the years, the local climate has not always been the only hurdle in the way of our school building and teacher training programme on the Plateau. Sporadic outbreaks of conflict have blighted community efforts to rebuild their lives and it has caused widespread devastation to schools, preventing hundreds of children from attending school. However, with the integration of the FRF (Federalist Republican Forces) into the Congolese Defence Force on 25th January 2011, hopes are high. Throughout our stay people recounted the story, stating that it was now time for peace.
Bipimo was one of the schools severely damaged by the fighting. Now, in its place, stands rather excitingly a newly constructed school. During the wet season heavy rains had made roads impassable and slowed down our progress – at one point our team had to abandon the truck and walk for two hours over marshland the rest of the way. However when we arrived it was an impressive sight, partly because the
community rejected a decision to wait until the wet season was over to finish the build - what determination!
WiththeprogrammeinDRCongonowatacrucialstageofdevelopmentandexpansion,excitingtimesareahead. Our teacher training team has doubled in size and by 2014 we want to ensure all of the children across the Plateau of Eastern DR Congo are attending school.
None of this would be possible withoutthekindnessandgenerosityofourfantasticChildreninCrisissupporters,sothankyou!
You can support our programmes and
read more about our work by visiting our website
www.childrenincrisis.org
AmyParker,ProgrammeManagerforDRCongoandnewest member of the ChildreninCrisisteam!
Photo: Sarah Rowse
Last year, we trained all teachers
and head teachers from 18
primary schools
85% of teachers are now
using active and participatory
teaching methods
The two new schools we built in DRC last year will benefit over
700 children
One of Mufariji’s bright stars!
The class of 2011!
All photos: Amy Parker
A year 3
student proudly showing off her writing skills! Her teacher was especially noteworthy, with a good learning
environment prevalent in his classroom.
The hard-working community and
labourers put the finishing touches to
Bipimo School
The boys
and girls of Mufariji who will
graduate from primary school
this year.
Following a
teacher training course, teachers are
keeping their students interested and active in
class through group work, games and
singing.
One of Mufariji’s bright stars!
The class of 2011!
All photos: Amy Parker
A year 3
student proudly showing off her writing skills! Her teacher was especially noteworthy, with a good learning
environment prevalent in his classroom.
The hard-working community and
labourers put the finishing touches to
Bipimo School
The boys
and girls of Mufariji who will
graduate from primary school
this year.
Following a
teacher training course, teachers are
keeping their students interested and active in
class through group work, games and
singing.
What’s new? Projects in the pipeline
Sierra Leone’s hidden children
InSierraLeone,asignificantnumber of disabled children havebeenexcludedfromschoolingandotherlearningopportunities.
Photo: Caroline Barnes
80% of the disabled children we interviewed did not
go to school
40% of children said they
were shut inside the house all day
30% of children said they went to work on farms with their
parents
Thisyear,welaunchedasurveytoexploreanddocumentthetruthaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesinSierraLeone.Instancesofchildrenbeinghiddenaway,abusedanddeniedtheirbasichumanrightshavebeenreportedalthoughthefullextentisnotknown.Whatwedoknowisthatthereareasignificantnumberofchildrenwithdisabilitiesandaccesstoeducationforthemisabigproblem.Theearlyresultsfromoursurveymakeapowerfulcaseforsomethingmoretobedone.While some local organisations do provide services for children with disabilities, limited resources means that they can only do what they can for those they can reach. We began our research in the extremely remote region of Kambia where Children in Crisis currently works. Stigma and discrimination is widespread and statistics are extremely hard to come by. There is simply not enough documented evidence so it comes as no surprise that disabled children have been missed in the design and implementation of development projects despite the efforts of aid and policy organisations.
Our new study has targeted 200 villages, we are running focus groups and talking to parents and guardians, schools directors, community leaders, village chiefs, health centres and traditional birth attendants. We have partnered up with three reputable organisations - Powerful Information, Vision for the Blind (Sierra Leone) and the Welfare Society for the Disabled. Throughout this project a key aspect is ensuring that survey teams have received training in data collection and recording methods so that the findings are documented in the right way.
InKambia,thiswillbethefirsttimeacomprehensivesurveylikethishasbeencarriedouttoreachvulnerablechildrenwithdisabilities.The full report will be complete by the summer however early findings are alarming, proving that there is a real need and urgency to address this shocking situation. More importantly, it means we can do something about it and put the same energy and focus on disabled children that we do with other excluded groups. On a positive note, a Disability Act is being passed by the government of Sierra Leone though it could take years before it actually becomes law and the effects are felt by the community.
Wewillpromotethefindingsofourreportthroughactiveadvocacy,creativecampaigningandcommunityoutreach.Itistimethatdisabledchildren’svoicesareheardandbroughttoattentionatcommunityandgovernmentlevel. We will share our findings with other local organisations and raise awareness of the issues through local radio. We will also be running seminars and workshops in Kambia and Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital.
Initiatives like this have given us highly convincing reasons to continue reaching out to the most vulnerable and marginalised children. It helps us to find those who have fallen through the gap.
What’s new? Projects in the pipeline
Sierra Leone’s hidden children
InSierraLeone,asignificantnumber of disabled children havebeenexcludedfromschoolingandotherlearningopportunities.
Photo: Caroline Barnes
80% of the disabled children we interviewed did not
go to school
40% of children said they
were shut inside the house all day
30% of children said they went to work on farms with their
parents
Thisyear,welaunchedasurveytoexploreanddocumentthetruthaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesinSierraLeone.Instancesofchildrenbeinghiddenaway,abusedanddeniedtheirbasichumanrightshavebeenreportedalthoughthefullextentisnotknown.Whatwedoknowisthatthereareasignificantnumberofchildrenwithdisabilitiesandaccesstoeducationforthemisabigproblem.Theearlyresultsfromoursurveymakeapowerfulcaseforsomethingmoretobedone.While some local organisations do provide services for children with disabilities, limited resources means that they can only do what they can for those they can reach. We began our research in the extremely remote region of Kambia where Children in Crisis currently works. Stigma and discrimination is widespread and statistics are extremely hard to come by. There is simply not enough documented evidence so it comes as no surprise that disabled children have been missed in the design and implementation of development projects despite the efforts of aid and policy organisations.
Our new study has targeted 200 villages, we are running focus groups and talking to parents and guardians, schools directors, community leaders, village chiefs, health centres and traditional birth attendants. We have partnered up with three reputable organisations - Powerful Information, Vision for the Blind (Sierra Leone) and the Welfare Society for the Disabled. Throughout this project a key aspect is ensuring that survey teams have received training in data collection and recording methods so that the findings are documented in the right way.
InKambia,thiswillbethefirsttimeacomprehensivesurveylikethishasbeencarriedouttoreachvulnerablechildrenwithdisabilities.The full report will be complete by the summer however early findings are alarming, proving that there is a real need and urgency to address this shocking situation. More importantly, it means we can do something about it and put the same energy and focus on disabled children that we do with other excluded groups. On a positive note, a Disability Act is being passed by the government of Sierra Leone though it could take years before it actually becomes law and the effects are felt by the community.
Wewillpromotethefindingsofourreportthroughactiveadvocacy,creativecampaigningandcommunityoutreach.Itistimethatdisabledchildren’svoicesareheardandbroughttoattentionatcommunityandgovernmentlevel. We will share our findings with other local organisations and raise awareness of the issues through local radio. We will also be running seminars and workshops in Kambia and Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital.
Initiatives like this have given us highly convincing reasons to continue reaching out to the most vulnerable and marginalised children. It helps us to find those who have fallen through the gap.
Children can face outrageously tough penalties when they come into conflict with the law. In Afghanistan, heavy-handed punishments and beating children to force out confessions are common and need to be stopped. The validity of the crimes themselves is sometimes questionable. In Kabul, a 16 year old girl was forced into marriage to an old man but fell in love with a local boy. She ran away and was then caught. Her punishment? A sentence of seven years in detention.
Hundreds of children young people are suffering the consequences of Afghanistan’s harsh criminal justice system. Whatever the situation, they should be protected, given a fair trial, and if in the wrong be given a chance to change. Children are far more vulnerable to victimisation and do not have the maturity of adults, but in Afghanistan they have been judged under a system designed for adults. In 2005, the Afghan government laid out a new law – a juvenile code – to ensure that children be detained only for very serious offences. This is not being allowed. Girls are particularly vulnerable with a staggering 56% of them being held in detention for ‘moral offences’ whilst 38% are there because they are lost or have nowhere else to go.*
For children who have offended, more often it is the political instability, conflict and poverty that have driven them to commit petty crimes to support their families, such as mobile phone theft or selling drugs.
In Afghanistan, most of the children who come into conflict with the law are victims of neglect, exploitation and social and economic hardship.For the past two years Children in Crisis has been working with social workers and the police force to stop children from being sent into this system in the first place. Our approach - prevention, rehabilitation
and reintegration – supports children to recognise right from wrong, to be accountable for their actions and to help them reintegrate back into society.
Social workers are an intrinsic part of this process, we provide training and help them to work within existing structures for resolving conflict within the Afghan community. Their jobs are not to decide whether the child is guilty or not, but to work with families, prosecutors, and relevant parties to mediate a way forward. They encourage others to follow the juvenile code and promote detention only as a last resort.
A majority of these children are bright, intelligent individuals who already attend school but who are the main income earners for their family. Before any child is sent to detention we attempt to reach and consult with families, we also recommend cautions, parental supervision, an apology to the victim, ‘putting the bad act right’ and community service, to name a few. If a child has committed an offence, we strongly recommend that they serve their punishment in the community where they belong. Education plays a vital role in all of this, so Children in Crisis is making sure it remains at the forefront to prevent children from taking the high-risk route in the first place.
93-97% of children in trouble
with the law are first-time or minor
offenders
56% of girls found in prisons were there for
‘moral offences’
80% of children will commit only ONE offence in
their lifetime
Protecting children in conflict with
the law
(*an independent research report carried out by Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission)
Youngpeopleareoftenkeptindetentioncentreswithouthavinghadtheopportunitytoafairtrial,interventionorrehabilitation.
Photo: Koy Thomson
Children can face outrageously tough penalties when they come into conflict with the law. In Afghanistan, heavy-handed punishments and beating children to force out confessions are common and need to be stopped. The validity of the crimes themselves is sometimes questionable. In Kabul, a 16 year old girl was forced into marriage to an old man but fell in love with a local boy. She ran away and was then caught. Her punishment? A sentence of seven years in detention.
Hundreds of children young people are suffering the consequences of Afghanistan’s harsh criminal justice system. Whatever the situation, they should be protected, given a fair trial, and if in the wrong be given a chance to change. Children are far more vulnerable to victimisation and do not have the maturity of adults, but in Afghanistan they have been judged under a system designed for adults. In 2005, the Afghan government laid out a new law – a juvenile code – to ensure that children be detained only for very serious offences. This is not being allowed. Girls are particularly vulnerable with a staggering 56% of them being held in detention for ‘moral offences’ whilst 38% are there because they are lost or have nowhere else to go.*
For children who have offended, more often it is the political instability, conflict and poverty that have driven them to commit petty crimes to support their families, such as mobile phone theft or selling drugs.
In Afghanistan, most of the children who come into conflict with the law are victims of neglect, exploitation and social and economic hardship.For the past two years Children in Crisis has been working with social workers and the police force to stop children from being sent into this system in the first place. Our approach - prevention, rehabilitation
and reintegration – supports children to recognise right from wrong, to be accountable for their actions and to help them reintegrate back into society.
Social workers are an intrinsic part of this process, we provide training and help them to work within existing structures for resolving conflict within the Afghan community. Their jobs are not to decide whether the child is guilty or not, but to work with families, prosecutors, and relevant parties to mediate a way forward. They encourage others to follow the juvenile code and promote detention only as a last resort.
A majority of these children are bright, intelligent individuals who already attend school but who are the main income earners for their family. Before any child is sent to detention we attempt to reach and consult with families, we also recommend cautions, parental supervision, an apology to the victim, ‘putting the bad act right’ and community service, to name a few. If a child has committed an offence, we strongly recommend that they serve their punishment in the community where they belong. Education plays a vital role in all of this, so Children in Crisis is making sure it remains at the forefront to prevent children from taking the high-risk route in the first place.
93-97% of children in trouble
with the law are first-time or minor
offenders
56% of girls found in prisons were there for
‘moral offences’
80% of children will commit only ONE offence in
their lifetime
Protecting children in conflict with
the law
(*an independent research report carried out by Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission)
Youngpeopleareoftenkeptindetentioncentreswithouthavinghadtheopportunitytoafairtrial,interventionorrehabilitation.
Photo: Koy Thomson
Princess Beatrice’s Hat Who knew that a hat would cause such a stir? You may have heard that the famous piece of apparel worn by The Princess to the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge fetched an amazing £81,000 when she put it up for auction on eBay in May. The proceeds were shared between Children in Crisis and Unicef. Princess Beatrice commented: “I cannot believe the amazing response to the hat, it has its own personality, and I am so happy that we have raised the most incredible amount of money and can make an even bigger change for the lives of some of the most vulnerable children across the world.”
A warm welcome to everyone who has just started supporting Children in Crisis with a monthly direct debit. And thank you so much for taking the time to talk to one of our fundraisers. Through this door to door campaign we find that we reach many more people than would otherwise know about our work and we are hoping that many more will join you in supporting some of the most forgotten children in the world.
New ‘virtual’ gifts store...comingsoon!
In October, Children in Crisis will be opening an online store on our website where you can buy ‘virtual’ gifts for your friends and loved ones. Gifts available will include desks, chairs, stationery, school kits, school building materials, teacher training workshops plus many more. This development of the site has been very kindly donated by our website company New Digital Partnership.
Children in Crisis Week! To commemorate UniversalChildren’sDayon20thNovemberwewillbelaunchingourveryfirstChildrenin Crisis Week commencing on Monday 14th November and running throughout the week in the run up to Universal Children’s Day. We will be running a series of campaigns and events to raise awareness and much-needed funds for our Children in Crisis’ work. Universal Children’s Day marks the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) established by the UN General Assembly on 20th November 1989.
An Evening with Mrs Moneypenny On 30th June 2011, two brilliant and original comediennes – businesswoman Julia Streets and FT columnist Mrs Moneypenny - took to the stage for one night only as part of the Sevenoaks festival, giving all profits to Children in Crisis.
Royal Parks Half Marathon - runners needed! This takes place on 9thOctober2011. This unique 13.1 mile run will start in Hyde Park and continue through the glorious greens of Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St James Park.
5k Santa Run - new! Get into the Christmas Spirit early with other jolly Santas and take to the streets (yes, in a Santa suit) on Sunday4thDecember2011. You will be running around London’s picturesque Greenwich Park. The great thing about this event is that children as young as eight can take part with a parent or guardian so you could enter as a family!
The Death Valley Cycle Challenge - new! Death Valley National Park, Southern California Desert in Nevada, is not only the largest in the USA but arguably one of the most striking specimens of Mother Earth. This increasingly popular challenge includes five days of cycling plus one day in Las Vegas. Between 5th-12thNovember2011 you will cycle over 260 miles through a stunning landscape of canyons, creeks, valleys and over some steep climbs before finishing in style in Las Vegas. You only need to be of average fitness, bikes will be provided but you will need your own bike helmet. Perhaps this is the challenge you’ve been psyching yourself up for?
Virgin London Marathon 2012As always the ever popular 26.2 mile marathon is the ultimate challenge you can take on for charity. Run for Children in Crisis and help us raise much-needed income for our education programmes. The next London Marathon will be held on 22nd April 2012.
What’s fun, adrenalin-filled and keeps you fit at the same time?Signup,signup!Here’salistofchallengingeventsthatyou,yourfriendsorfamilycanallgetinvolvedin.
Events and news ChallengesYou can register for any one of our events now. You will receive a pack full of fundraising tips and original ideas to help people support you.
You will also get:
sponsorship and pledge forms
your very own Children in Crisis running vest
a dedicated fundraiser to provide help and advice
materials such as balloons, posters or collection boxes to use in your fundraising
a congratulatory certificate from Children in Crisis
Formoreinformationontheeventsabove,callLucyPorteron02076271040 [email protected]
What kind of challenge do YOU like?
We don’t always expect you to take it to the extreme, we appreciate any way you can fundraise for Children in Crisis whether it be a smaller community event, coffee mornings or getting your school or company involved. However, if you are thinking of doing something a bit more daring, read Sabine’s blog – aka Extreme Mother - on the back page for some inspiration!
Princess Beatrice’s Hat Who knew that a hat would cause such a stir? You may have heard that the famous piece of apparel worn by The Princess to the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge fetched an amazing £81,000 when she put it up for auction on eBay in May. The proceeds were shared between Children in Crisis and Unicef. Princess Beatrice commented: “I cannot believe the amazing response to the hat, it has its own personality, and I am so happy that we have raised the most incredible amount of money and can make an even bigger change for the lives of some of the most vulnerable children across the world.”
A warm welcome to everyone who has just started supporting Children in Crisis with a monthly direct debit. And thank you so much for taking the time to talk to one of our fundraisers. Through this door to door campaign we find that we reach many more people than would otherwise know about our work and we are hoping that many more will join you in supporting some of the most forgotten children in the world.
New ‘virtual’ gifts store...comingsoon!
In October, Children in Crisis will be opening an online store on our website where you can buy ‘virtual’ gifts for your friends and loved ones. Gifts available will include desks, chairs, stationery, school kits, school building materials, teacher training workshops plus many more. This development of the site has been very kindly donated by our website company New Digital Partnership.
Children in Crisis Week! To commemorate UniversalChildren’sDayon20thNovemberwewillbelaunchingourveryfirstChildrenin Crisis Week commencing on Monday 14th November and running throughout the week in the run up to Universal Children’s Day. We will be running a series of campaigns and events to raise awareness and much-needed funds for our Children in Crisis’ work. Universal Children’s Day marks the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) established by the UN General Assembly on 20th November 1989.
An Evening with Mrs Moneypenny On 30th June 2011, two brilliant and original comediennes – businesswoman Julia Streets and FT columnist Mrs Moneypenny - took to the stage for one night only as part of the Sevenoaks festival, giving all profits to Children in Crisis.
Royal Parks Half Marathon - runners needed! This takes place on 9thOctober2011. This unique 13.1 mile run will start in Hyde Park and continue through the glorious greens of Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St James Park.
5k Santa Run - new! Get into the Christmas Spirit early with other jolly Santas and take to the streets (yes, in a Santa suit) on Sunday4thDecember2011. You will be running around London’s picturesque Greenwich Park. The great thing about this event is that children as young as eight can take part with a parent or guardian so you could enter as a family!
The Death Valley Cycle Challenge - new! Death Valley National Park, Southern California Desert in Nevada, is not only the largest in the USA but arguably one of the most striking specimens of Mother Earth. This increasingly popular challenge includes five days of cycling plus one day in Las Vegas. Between 5th-12thNovember2011 you will cycle over 260 miles through a stunning landscape of canyons, creeks, valleys and over some steep climbs before finishing in style in Las Vegas. You only need to be of average fitness, bikes will be provided but you will need your own bike helmet. Perhaps this is the challenge you’ve been psyching yourself up for?
Virgin London Marathon 2012As always the ever popular 26.2 mile marathon is the ultimate challenge you can take on for charity. Run for Children in Crisis and help us raise much-needed income for our education programmes. The next London Marathon will be held on 22nd April 2012.
What’s fun, adrenalin-filled and keeps you fit at the same time?Signup,signup!Here’salistofchallengingeventsthatyou,yourfriendsorfamilycanallgetinvolvedin.
Events and news ChallengesYou can register for any one of our events now. You will receive a pack full of fundraising tips and original ideas to help people support you.
You will also get:
sponsorship and pledge forms
your very own Children in Crisis running vest
a dedicated fundraiser to provide help and advice
materials such as balloons, posters or collection boxes to use in your fundraising
a congratulatory certificate from Children in Crisis
Formoreinformationontheeventsabove,callLucyPorteron02076271040 [email protected]
What kind of challenge do YOU like?
We don’t always expect you to take it to the extreme, we appreciate any way you can fundraise for Children in Crisis whether it be a smaller community event, coffee mornings or getting your school or company involved. However, if you are thinking of doing something a bit more daring, read Sabine’s blog – aka Extreme Mother - on the back page for some inspiration!