CHILD RIGHTS NETWORK FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA’s Post

🌍 Celebrating Girls’ Vision for the Future – Key Takeaways from Our X Space on International Day of the Girl Child 🌟 On October 11th, we were honored to collaborate with Rising to Greatness Organization to host an inspiring X Space, where voices of change came together to discuss the future of girls worldwide. With over 200 listeners engaged, our conversation focused on the empowerment, education and rights of girls, with thought leaders sharing actionable insights to create lasting impact. Key Highlights ✅ Access to Education: It is clear that education remains the cornerstone for empowering girls. We discussed ways to prevent school dropout, support teen mothers and ensure financial accessibility for all girls. ✅ Legal Protections: Strengthening laws against child marriage, FGM and online abuse is essential. We need stronger legal frameworks to ensure girls' safety and rights. ✅ Community Engagement: Mentorship and community involvement are crucial. We can make a real difference by offering emotional support, mentorship, and safe spaces for girls to thrive. Let’s continue to amplify girls' voices, break down barriers, and ensure every girl has the tools to build her future. 💪

At Voicing the Void, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling. 📖✨ Through the art of Restorative Storytelling, we provide a safe and nurturing space for these voices to emerge. 🛋️🌟 Our approach is rooted in empathy, healing, and the belief that stories have the power to heal wounds, bridge divides, and ignite change. ❤️🩹🌍🔥 Empowerment: We work closely with marginalised groups, helping them discover their voices and use their stories as tools for empowerment. 💪🏽🎤🗣️ Community Building: We believe that stories create connections. Through our programs, we foster stronger, more resilient communities. 🏘️🤝💫 Advocacy: Stories have the power to change minds and hearts. We use storytelling as a force for social justice and positive change. 🕊️⚖️💬 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eE5-yT7u 🌐🔗

Today, we come together for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a time to reflect on our history, honor the survivors, and commit to understanding the true experiences of Indigenous communities. Let's take this moment to acknowledge the pain, learn from the past, and actively support the journey toward healing. Here are a few ways you can participate in meaningful ways: 🧡 Learn about the history: Educate yourself on the residential school system and the impact it had—and continues to have—on Indigenous communities. 🧡 Listen to Indigenous voices: Support Indigenous creators, authors, and leaders. Their stories matter. 🧡 Wear orange: It's a symbol of solidarity and acknowledgment of the children who didn't come home. 🧡 Reflect on your own role: Ask yourself how you can contribute to reconciliation, both personally and within your community. 🧡 Engage in community events: Attend local ceremonies or virtual discussions to show your support and learn more. This journey is about listening, learning, and taking action to ensure a brighter future for everyone. 🌿 💬 Let's connect and discuss how we can continue to support meaningful change in our community. I'm always here to talk about ways we can make a difference together. #TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters #OrangeShirtDay #ReconciliationJourney #SupportIndigenousCommunities #LearnAndGrow #ReflectAndAct

🎓🌱 Educators, activists, and community leaders, this is for you! The TALE project brings transformative learning to the forefront of the green transition. How can adult education contribute to the green transition? 📢 Policy recommendations are now available! 📋 Some of them are: ✔️ Support and provide resources to community-based learning and grassroots initiatives ✔️ Foster multi-disciplinary collaboration in environmental topics ✔️ Encourage active citizenship and community engagement 👉 Learn more and access resources: kvs.fi/tale

🧡 *Every Child Matters* Orange is more than a color—it's a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and recognition of the injustices Indigenous children faced at residential schools. On Orange Shirt Day, we remember the children who never made it home and those who continue to carry the weight of these traumatic experiences. 🧡 The odds of an Indigenous child dying in a residential school were 1 in 25. 🧡 The last residential school closed in 1996. 🧡 These schools aimed to erase cultures, languages, and identities, causing generational pain. The reason we wear orange on this day stems from the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken away from her on her first day at residential school. Her story reminds us that Indigenous children were stripped not just of clothing, but of their dignity, rights, and lives. 🧡 **Remember this**: the children taken away in handcuffs, the children who suffered physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse, and the children who never returned home to their families. It’s not just a part of history; it’s a part of our present. These injustices didn’t happen in the distant past. They affect the fabric of Canadian society today. 🧡 What can we do? We can educate ourselves and others. We can support Indigenous-led initiatives aimed at healing. And we can honor those affected by wearing orange not just on one day, but by advocating for meaningful action and change every day. Let us not forget that Orange Shirt Day is a reminder to take action—not just in solidarity, but in support of a better future for all. How are you contributing to change and reconciliation? #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation #IndigenousRights

Raising Respectful Grandkids: Our Crucial Role It's time to embrace love and instill respect in our grandchildren. As new grandparents, we have the unique opportunity to shape a generation that values morals and strong relationships. Let's invest in their future by teaching them respect and kindness. #Grandparenting #RespectfulKids #FamilyValues #LoveAndKindness #MoralEducation #GenerationalWisdom #InstillRespect #BuildingFuture #ParentingTips #StrongFamilyBonds #DocAmeyspeaks #UnkLdoc #foryoupage

Yesterday I partaked as a speaker and as one of the guests of honour for an online event held by Voices Online (which has over 1.3 Million community members). My talk was about how we promote peace in an increasingly volatile yet interconnected world. Some of the points I raised: 1. We need to move beyond tolerance to a place of acceptance and appreciation of difference 2. We can learn alot from others as long as we take a position of humility, respect and intent to learn. 3. Everyone can be our teacher in life not just educationalists.

THIS. Let's imagine a world where this is the foundation of how organizations operate, period. This is what I believe in. We use sports analogies and metaphors in learning and development workshops all the time. We talk about inspiring our kids and making them our future. What if we did this with our employees and each other? What if it applied outside of kids sports, or sports in general. What if we gave it a try? What are you already doing that aligns with this way of thinking and being? "When a team has your back, something awesome happens" - That's right! "When you belong, you believe" - Exactly. What will you take from this incredible short video, and apply to your workplace today? Jays Care Foundation Thank you for this beautifully curated campaign. This is the world I believe in.

Happy Universal Children's Day! Today, as we celebrate this special occasion, let us take a moment to honor the innocence and potential of every child. It is essential that we create an environment where children feel safe and empowered to express their ideas, thoughts, and dreams. In Ethiopia, we have a rich cultural heritage that sometimes undermines the voices of our youngest members of society. Proverbs like "A child's bread is not enough for dinner" and "A child grows by luck" reflect a mindset that can diminish the importance of nurturing and valuing children's contributions. These sayings may suggest that children are not yet worthy of serious consideration or that their needs are secondary to those of adults. However, it is crucial for us to recognize that children are not just passive recipients of our wisdom; they are active participants in shaping our future. as we recognize that children are the future leaders of our communities and nations, it is vital that we show them the respect they deserve. This respect involves not only listening to their ideas but also involving them in decision-making processes that affect their lives. When children feel valued and heard, they are more likely to grow into responsible, compassionate leaders who contribute positively to society.

The quote highlights the importance of recognizing children as unique individuals with their own thoughts, feelings, and potential. It emphasizes treating children with respect, acknowledging their qualities, and allowing them to grow independently. In a society where children's voices are gaining importance, it encourages creating a supportive environment for their development. Jess Lair's words resonate with parents, educators, and caregivers, inspiring us to empower and nurture children's identities. Through quotes like this, awareness is raised about respecting children's autonomy and the importance of creating a nurturing environment for them to reach their full potential. Let's reflect on this message and consider better ways to support the children in our communities.