Kids Care Kenya’s Executive Director George Baya hands over a certificate to child protection volunteers.
BY SHABAN OMAR
Several Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) volunteer groups in Lunga-Lunga, Kwale County, have been recognized for their dedication to safeguarding children’s welfare through improved education and healthcare.
The awards, organized by Kids Care Kenya in collaboration with the national and county governments, celebrated the volunteers’ relentless efforts in ensuring the well-being of vulnerable children in the region.
The awarded CCPC groups received cash prizes, trophies, and essential equipment to support their grassroots initiatives.
The resources are expected to enhance their capacity to provide quality education, healthcare, and social protection for at-risk children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Kids Care Kenya’s Executive Director George Baya commended the volunteers for their unwavering commitment to creating a safer environment for children.
“These awards are a testament to the tireless efforts of CCPC groups in advocating for children’s rights. We believe this recognition will motivate them to continue their noble work,” he said.
Baya said the CCPC volunteer groups play a crucial role in safeguarding children’s rights at the grassroots level, acting as the bridge between communities and government agencies.
Kids Care Kenya’s Executive Director George Baya speaks to the media.
He said through continuous awareness campaigns, advocacy, and direct interventions, they help combat issues such as child labor, early marriages, and school dropouts.
Baya added that the groups also help to advocate for the rights of PWDs children and ensure they get equal educational and empowerment opportunities.
He noted that the award programs will be held each year to support and motivate the CCPC volunteers.
One of the award recipients, a CCPC volunteer leader, Khadija Hassan expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that it would inspire them to expand their outreach programs.
“This award is not just for us but for the children we serve. It encourages us to work even harder to ensure every child in our community has a bright future,” he said.
Hassan praised the NGO for providing training and capacity-building programs on child protection, which have empowered volunteers with the necessary skills to advocate for children’s rights effectively.
She said that, with support from Kids Care Kenya, the CCPC groups have initiated various community livelihood programs aimed at improving the socioeconomic well-being of vulnerable families.
Hassan said the initiatives include small-scale businesses and income-generating activities designed to reduce poverty and enhance self-sufficiency among at-risk groups.
“Our partnership with Kids Care has not only strengthened our child protection efforts but also enabled us to uplift struggling families. By empowering parents and guardians economically, we reduce cases of child neglect and school dropouts,” she said.
Another CCPC member, Leah Mueni, appreciated the recognition, stating that the awards serve as a motivation for volunteers to continue their efforts in protecting children’s rights.
She said that sustainable development in child protection extends beyond advocacy, highlighting the need for economic empowerment to address the root causes of child vulnerability.
Mueni noted that many cases of child neglect, school dropouts, and exploitation stem from financial hardships faced by families.
She stressed that initiatives combining child protection with economic empowerment could create long-term solutions by enabling families to provide better care and opportunities for their children.
She further called on more stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private organizations, to support such programs.
According to her, increased investment in livelihood projects and capacity-building programs would enhance resilience among vulnerable communities and improve the effectiveness of CCPC volunteers in delivering essential child protection services.
Lunga-Lunga CCPC celebrate their victory
Another CCPC member, Mary Mueni, highlighted the positive impact of their advocacy programs, particularly on children with disabilities (PWDs).
She noted that since the launch of their programs, many children with disabilities have been enrolled in schools, giving them access to education and a better quality of life.
Mueni said that raising awareness about the rights of children with disabilities has helped reduce stigma and discrimination in the community.
She said through their efforts, parents and guardians are now more willing to enroll their children in school, ensuring they receive the necessary support and opportunities to thrive.
She called for continued support from stakeholders to enhance inclusive education and provide essential resources such as assistive devices, specialized learning materials, and accessible school infrastructure.
“Every child, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, deserves an education and a chance at a better future. We must continue advocating for their rights and ensuring they receive the care and support they need,” she said.
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