Children on the Edge has a rights based approach in all the work it does, it is guided by a UN treaty called The Convention for the Rights of the Child. This convention is a promise, made in 1989, by governments across the world, to do everything in their power to protect and promote children’s rights to survive and thrive, to learn and grow, to make their voices heard and to reach their full potential How is this different from any other form of aid or charitable work? Being guided by the CRC means that instead of regarding children as passive objects of care and charity, they are seen as human beings with a distinct set of rights. As an organisation we resource and support children to be agents of change in their own futures. All the rights described in the Convention are things that many charities and civil groups uphold as part of their daily activities, the difference is that organisations with a rights-based approach don’t uphold rights incidentally, but contribute directly and intentionally. What does this actually mean for the work of Children on the Edge, in a practical sense? Rights in the Convention are set out in 54 articles which describe what a child needs to survive, grow, thrive and reach their potential. They are all as important as each other, but four articles (2,3, 6 & 12) are given the special status of ‘guiding principles’, which are needed for any of the rights in the Convention to be realised. These principles are listed below, with a few examples of how we are guided by them them in our work:
Can I change anything by adding my own voice? Duty bearers are those people who have obligations to meet with regard to a rights holder and their ability to realise their rights, this will often be governments, local authorities, or even parents. We work with all these duty bearers in different ways, and encouraging local ownership of projects enhances the accountability of duty bearers in itself. In addition to this we do encourage our supporters to add their voices to petitions and letters to government officials who can influence the law and the treatment of people and ensure their rights are met. Some of the latest situations you can help with are as follows: - Preventing backwards steps in Bangladesh regarding child marriage. - Heard things are fine in Burma? They’re not see how you can change it. - Contact your MP about Kachin State, Burma and what needs to happen there. ‘All Wrapped Up for Christmas’ - Get involved in our new appeal for Syrian refugee children.30/10/2015
More than four million Syrians have now fled war and persecution and become refugees in neighbouring countries, making the Syrian conflict the worst crisis for almost a quarter of a century.
Children on the Edge have been supporting work with Syrian refugee children in Lebanon for over a year now. The work here provides these children with an education within the refugee camps, medical support and much needed winter clothing and fuel for heating. As Christmas approaches we are launching an urgent appeal for the project called ‘All Wrapped Up’. Skilfully designed by local illustrator Hannah George, we have some beautiful Christmas wrapping paper and matching tags for sale, with all profits going to the project. In this way, the paper has your gifts wrapped up for Christmas and is enabling a refugee child to be warm and ‘wrapped up’ this winter. This is an excellent resource to fundraise in the run up to Christmas. Naturally we’d like to sell as much as possible and we need your help!
We’re excited about the difference we can make through this appeal, and hope you will join us!
This Sunday saw the fourth staging of the Chichester Half Marathon, organised by Children on the Edge and Chichester District Council. Sponsored by Montezumas and Store Property and started by Sally Taylor of BBC’s South Today, this year’s race had the largest number of entrants yet. Runners took to the popular Chichester route in golden autumn sunshine and the atmosphere in the Chichester College race village at was buzzing.
From a fundraising perspective the event was a tremendous success. With many runners getting sponsored for their efforts, a record amount of 946 registrations, 98 volunteers helping (many from 6.00 am), 975 litres of water donated by Southdowns Water and many other generous donations from different companies, the total raised for Children on the Edge came in at £23,940. To give an idea of what this figure can achieve, this can cover the full running costs of one of our schools for Syrian refugees in Lebanon for a whole year. Each school serves 100 children and employs Syrian teachers from within the camps so is a real benefit to the whole community. Our executive director, Rachel Bentley said, “The arrival of thousands of Syrian refugees in Europe has prompted a huge public response. Many local people have been organising events and collections for refugees arriving in Europe, but for over a year now Children on the Edge has been supporting work with Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. We really appreciate the contribution that all runners, volunteers and sponsors of the Chichester Half have made towards the vital work both here and in our other projects around the world”. Sports highlights
Next year’s date is set for Sunday 9th October 2016. So a lot of runners signed up for the Chichester Half 2015 might be feeling nervous this week. It's a challenging race, but if that's you, spare a thought for James, who'll be running in heavy boots, wearing army trousers and carrying a back pack weighing 35lb. The Chichester Half is one of a series of events that James is taking on this year to raise money for Children on the Edge. Here's his feedback from his last challenge in Catterick; Firstly I apologise for maintaining radio silence over the summer, unfortunately I was a bit poorly for 6 weeks so couldn’t train – however as “luck” would have it the Paras 10 event in Colchester was rescheduled till November. However, I unfortunately had to miss the Fan Dance this year but I will replace it with another event – although I do still have the Chi half and the Paras event to tab, plus a marathon to run in December!! As such I have started to get back into training again properly, although not yet back up to half marathon distance so Chi could well be mental as opposed to physical. Therefore, given all these disclaimers, this weekend’s report from the northern town of Richmond will not be full of derring-do feats testing the limit of human endurance, Instead it will be mild whinging about the traffic on the M1 and not being very fit. More Victor Meldew than Ranulph Fienns! So for the second year in a row I dragged my wife and kids 300 miles north to Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire, where I prepared for the event with a health conscious steak and chips and a pint of Guinness - this being the night preceding the actual event as opposed to breakfast on the day! At breakfast itself I self-consciously trundled in wearing my second hand army surplus gear to find that the entire hotel was dressed the same, it would seem that almost everyone staying there was taking part in the event in one form or another. I got to the barracks and got my bergen officially weighed by a gentleman from the Para Reg…39lbs inclusive of water….he sent me off to the registration tent with a knowing smile. Knowing that I wasn’t fit enough to make it in the Paras selection time, combined with memories of last year’s vomit-inducing start, I chose not to skip off like a gazelle and used the recommended technique of jogging downhill and striding up, this plan paid off as I at least didn’t burn myself out in first few miles. All in all it took me 2hrs 20 mins, which in timing is pretty dreadful BUT I made it round and can tick it off the list now! It does however make it seem that Chi might take nearly 3 hours to tab....Although Hastings took 2 hours 30 so fingers crossed for the day now! That’s and a few more miles looking like an ageing squaddie around the street of Surrey." You can sponsor James by going to his Just Giving page. If you're at the Chichester Half this Sunday, cheer him on! Children on the Edge supports a number of programmes that focus on ending child marriage. We are also part of a network called ‘Girls Not Brides’ and would like to encourage our supporters to join in their latest campaign, entitled #MyLifeAt15. This is the global campaign calling on governments to implement the new global target to end child marriage by 2030.
What is it about? A girl born in the year 2000, who is now 15, has never known a world that was not fighting to end poverty thanks to the Millennium Development Goals — but these goals didn’t adequately address girls and their needs. Last weekend countries gathered at the UN to approve the new Global Goals for Sustainable Development, the world-wide action plan to solve some of our biggest problems by 2030 and, this time, ending child marriage is in their plans (target 5.3). With the launch of the Global Goals, now that same girl as a teenager can be part of the fight against inequality and injustice, and the movement to end child marriage by 2030. #MyLifeAt15 is happening from the 1st -12th October, mainly in the run up to the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC). The campaign celebrates the dreams and ambitions we held at the age of 15, in support of every girl today having the opportunity to achieve hers, without child marriage holding her back. How to take action This campaign is a great opportunity to show your government and international leaders that there is real demand for action to end child marriage. This is how you can take part: - Post a picture of yourself on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram and describe what your ambitions and dreams were for the future when you were 15 years old. Tag Children on the Edge and use the hashtags #MyLifeAt15 and #EndChildMarriage. - Share a picture of yourself at age 15 with your #MyLifeAt15 description and tags. - Camera shy? Just share a photo of the #MyLIfeAt15 sign, write on it if you like. - This campaign is launching on the 1st October and is using ‘Throwback Thursday’ or #TBT, a popular online hashtag for sharing content from the past, to kick off the photo drive. This is especially good for photos of yourself at 15. When you share your first #MyLifeAt15 photo on Thursday October 1st or 8th October, be sure to tag your photos with #TBT and #EndChildMarriage to reach broader audiences. Do another post on International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) on 11th October. This year’s theme is “The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030”, which focuses on the importance of investing in adolescent girls’ empowerment and rights, placing them at the centre of sustainable development. Find out more about the campaign and download a toolkit, this includes actions you can take if you aren't fond of social media! Find out about how we are working to prevent child marriage in Bangladesh. At Children on the Edge we have the pleasure of hearing from many different fundraisers of all ages. A few weeks ago we heard from some of our youngest supporters, twins Ellis and Harrison both aged 8. Both boys chose to fundraise for us by taking on the Iron Kids challenge. Ellis and Harrison first heard about Children on the Edge through their family. The boys’ Mum, Christine, and big sister Lauren, heard about us from The Body Shop at Home™ and have already fundraised for us themselves. After signing up to the event, Christine asked the boys which charity they would like to fundraise for, and fortunately for us, Children on the Edge was on the tip of their tongues! Ellis and Harrison picked us as a result of “wanting to help children less fortunate than us and help the children on the projects to be healthier”. When asked the question, ’What do you think children should be entitled to?’, the boys replied “a school, bed, food, fun, drink, friends, family, clothes, skills and to be healthy”. A very impressive and thoughtful answer. Ellis and Harrison both had great fun at Iron Kids and enjoyed hearing the crowd cheer them on and being awarded their medals. Together the boys raised £75 for our work. We would like to say a huge thank you to Ellis and Harrison for being our Children on the Edge Champions! Got a fundraising idea? Get in touch with our Fundraising Officer to start planning! On the anniversary of Girl Summit 2014, leaders must prevent backward steps in Bangladesh.22/7/2015
Today is the first anniversary of the Girl Summit, which is being marked by an event at Canada House, hosted by DFID and Plan International.
One year ago at the Summit, along with an impassioned speech from DFID’s Justine Greening, David Cameron and Bangladesh Prime minister Sheikh Hasina pledged to end child marriage under the age of 15 in Bangladesh by 2021, and end all child marriage under 18 by 2041. It was an ambitious statement, as currently Bangladesh has the world’s highest rate of child marriage. However when Sheikh Hasina returned, her government drafted a new law proposing to lower the age of marriage for girls from 18 to 16. Girls may need parental permission to marry at 16 but as most marriages in Bangladesh are arranged by parents, this makes little difference. This backward step conflicts not only with Bangladesh's commitments at the Girl Summit, but also with international law. Heather Barr from Human Rights Watch describes how ““The Bangladesh government’s inaction on child marriage is causing devastating harm to one of the country’s greatest assets – its young women. The government—and its donors—should do more to keep girls in school, assist girls at risk of child marriage, fight sexual harassment, and provide access to reproductive health information and contraceptive supplies. Most importantly, the government should enforce its own law against child marriage.” Children on the Edge supports Learning Centres for Working Children in Bangladesh, which not only provide an education which would otherwise be impossible, but works with the local community and parents to reduce the rate of child marriage. You can support this project by donating, and if you want to make a difference in the political scene, giving a voice to these girls, we’d suggest the following:
Just simply saying ‘Chichester Half Marathon’ recalls the success of the revived 2012 event which has had such great appeal for so many people in the area over the last few years. The 'Chi Half' is a challenging and beautiful ‘multi-terrain’ half marathon which one runner has described as “an iconic South Coast race, a must for any serious runner”. The 2015 event, which takes place on Sunday 11th October, was launched nearly three months ago and the organisers have been overwhelmed with the response to date. Last year the event hosted nearly 1,000 runners but this year the organisers have been able to increase the entry limit to 1500 runners on account of their experience from previous years and also some minor tweaks in the course cutting out some of the pinch points. At the end of June nearly 500 runners have already entered with more entries at this stage are coming in thick and fast. The event is organised by the Chichester based charity, Children on the Edge, in conjunction with Chichester District Council. Ben Wilkes, Head of Children on the Edge in the UK says “The Chichester Half has been going from strength to strength each year since we revived it in 2012. We’re really excited for this year, some new competitions and prizes, lots of local business support and a real buzz in the community about race day. Not only this, but the money raised makes a huge difference to the vulnerable children we work with. Everyone can get involved, whether it’s running, volunteering or cheering on from the streets, so please do join us on the big day”. Councillor Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Wellbeing and Community Services at Chichester District Council, says “The Chichester Half Marathon is a real community event and we are very pleased to be working in partnership with the wonderful charity, Children on the Edge. Runners will enjoy the scenic route, and for those that would love to tackle the challenge, but have never done anything like this before, organisers can provide support and training to help people achieve their goals. I hope as many people as possible from across the district will give it a go” All about the event The 2015 event will be another fantastic opportunity for runners not only to take part in what is becoming a very popular race but also one that takes in the major City Centre sights and landmarks as well as spectacular rural scenery. The terrain is a good mixture of road, paths, cycle tracks and cross country. The race will start at 9.a.m. on October 11th. It is based at Chichester College, where a Race Village will be set up and will take in the City Centre as well as the surrounding Lavant and Goodwood countryside. It starts in Westgate and travels easterly along West and East Street to Eastgate Square, where it follows the City walls round towards Priory Park, before the runners make their way across Oaklands Park, towards the Rugby Club and then out through Summersdale and Fordwater into East Lavant Village. Stunning downland scenery provides the backdrop for the runners to tackle Chalkpit Lane before climbing up to the Trundle from Five ways where runners have stunning views of the Solent. The next 2 miles is a steady downhill descent into West Dean from where it picks up the Lavant Valley, returning to Chichester along the Centurion way, finishing in the rear College car park - a distance of just over 13 miles. The event is suitable for people of all abilities (over the age of 17) from the beginner to the more experienced runner, and this year we hope even more people will take up the challenge. A full training programme is given on the web site but you are advised to start training now. If you want to get involved, but don’t feel able to take part, we are also looking for volunteers. Their role is vital in making the event happen.” The organisers are indeed most fortunate that the notable local sponsors of the first multi-terrain event - Montezuma’s and Store Property are again the main sponsors of the event. Both these organisations have directors who are keen athletes. The Evans Weir Works Trophy The works trophy proved very popular when it was introduced for the first time in 2014 and again will be promoted in 2015. It will be sponsored by Evans Weir, a Chichester firm of Accountants, who will also be providing a VIP tent and photo opportunities for the teams. It is expected that the team from Wiggle Cycles, winners in 2014, will be back to defend the Evans Weir Trophy but early indications are that many more businesses are considering entering this year’s event. Any organisation or business can enter as many people as they wish to compete for the Evans Weir Trophy. It is the first three finishers on race day who will make up the scoring team. Each workplace registering five or more runners is eligible to receive a complimentary training workshop from the organisers and any business signing up more than 10 runners will have the 10th place free. Once the Works Trophy team members are registered all the team manager needs to do is e-mail [email protected] with the team name and a list of competitors who have entered. Helen Pattinson (Co-Founder of Montezumas, one of our main sponsors) said of the Works Trophy - “There’s nothing like the prospect of your work colleagues watching you run a race to motivate you to get out training. We have ten people in the business who are a lot fitter than they were!” King and Queen of the Hill New for 2015 is a King and Queen of the Hill competition which is being sponsored by the local sports running shop, i-run. Runners, male and female will compete with each other to see who is the quickest climber of the Trundle between two points – Seven Ways Car Park and the end of the flint track at the point where the course starts to go round the summit. Chip Timing mats will be placed at the beginning and end of the Hill Section which will be marked with beach flags and bunting. To be eligible runners must enter the half marathon, start the race in Westgate, complete the Hill climb section and also be a recorded as a finisher in the Chichester College car park. Krowmark Club Trophy Another innovation for 2015 is the Krowmark Trophy named after the local firm sponsoring the award. There will be a cup and a cash prize for the fastest club in the race. The winners will comprise a mixed team, decided by adding together the times of the 1st 3 men finishers and 1st 3 women finishers of each club. This award is in addition to the usual prizes given to the winning men’s and women’s teams. Heading the individual entries is likely to be last year’s winner James Baker of the local Chichester club and on his day is rarely beaten in the area. With this increased interest in the ‘Chi half’ it is expected that James will challenge his course record 1.12.24 and the women’s course record of 1.30.44 held by Kari Mack of Tone Zone Runners could also be at risk. James will be joined by at least 300 other club runners including a good representation from Chichester Runners and Tone Zone Runners. The race is not only for club runners and indeed three quarters of the entrants, to date, are unattached with an equal balance of male and female entrants. As a guide to performance all competitors last year were back within about two and a half hours of the start. The entry list also has five representatives of our sponsors. In view of the overwhelming support for the event, prospective runners are advised to get their entries in early to ensure a place. On the grounds of health and safety and in fairness to runners who do enter on time the organisers regret that the race limit cannot be exceeded. You can sign up at www.chichesterhalfmarathon.co.uk . Training advice and guidance on preparation for the event is also available on the half marathon web site as is further information at www.chichester.gov.uk. Coverage prior to the event and the race itself will be contained in future editions of the Chichester Observer. Graham Jessop 1st July 2015. This April one of our loyal supporters, Marc Ng, took on the challenge of cycling from London to Paris to raise money for Children on the Edge. Marc not only completed the journey in just four days but exceeded his fundraising target raising over £2500. We caught up with Marc and found out all the details about his journey.
What inspired you to cycle from London to Paris? It was a friend of mine, Ash, who first suggested riding to Paris. His 50th was approaching and he wanted to mark this landmark birthday in a 'special way’. Ash and I had both taken up road cycling not that long ago and he decided that riding from London-to-Paris (L2P) would be a good idea. Not wanting to do it on his own, he asked me if I fancied coming along. I said yes… What training did you do in the run up to the event? I joined Westerham Cycling Club and went to the Sunday club rides which were roughly 30 miles. I tried where possible to augment these with rides during the week to get an idea of what riding 70-75 miles in a day felt like. This was the average daily distance we would cover cycling to Paris. I entered the Ordnance Survey Equalizer Sportive early in February. It was 'only' 60 miles but hard work and a good way to gauge how we were progressing. Also where I live in Kent it is hard to avoid the hills! So every ride felt like a workout even if it wasn’t very long. How did you first hear about COTE and what inspired you to fundraise for us? I have known Ben Wikes (Children on the Edge, Head of UK) for 25 years and heard about the charity’s work through him. I have always wanted to do something to raise money for Children on the Edge. I had thought of running the Chichester Half, but I really am not a runner. I heard about Ben’s ride across the Pyrenees to fundraise for Children on the Edge and that triggered the idea that I could fundraise through cycling, not across a major European mountain range, but the seed had been sown. That seed remained dormant until Ash suggested the L2P ride. How did you fundraise? Primarily through tapping into my network of friends via Facebook. I also produced a flyer and did some 'old school' door-to-door appealing for donations. The primary school attended by my daughter kindly mentioned our challenge in a couple of the weekly school bulletins. I also asked my colleagues if they would make a donation. Do you have a favourite moments from your ride? Reaching the end of the ride under the Eiffel Tower with my wife Louise waiting there together with our daughters Rebecca and Charlotte, as well as my parents was a highlight. Ash's family had seen us off so to have my family there at the end kind of bookmarked the ride nicely. Do you have any other future events planned? I think so, yes. I have already signed up to ride the Prudential London-Surrey 100 in August for another charity. However I hope to get on my bike again for Children on the Edge at some point. I can't say when yet, but there is another ride on the Continent which has pricked my interest, so watch this space.... We would like to say a huge thank you to Marc for his amazing dedication to Children on the Edge. We are so happy to have his support and wish him the best of luck on his next ride! If you would like to fundraise for us please contact serenachana@childrenontheedgeorg. On Sunday 12th April hundreds of runners lined up the starting point of the Brighton Marathon ready to run a gruelling 26 miles. Among those runners were John Miles (pictured above) and Chris Payne (below) who not only took on the challenge of running the marathon but used the event to fundraise for Children on the Edge.
For John this was his second time running the Brighton Marathon for Children on the Edge. John managed to knock off twenty minutes from his running time last year, finishing the race in 3 hours and 33 minutes. The atmosphere on the day and support from the crowd was fantastic and a great motivator for all the runners to reach the finish line. John explains “ there were around 100,000 people cheering everyone on - lots of children holding their hands out for a high-5’s and others with bells, whistles and rattles; several bands of drummers and other musicians added to the atmosphere.” Chris also entered the Brighton Marathon for Children on the Edge after hearing about us through his sister law. “ After researching Children on the Edge , it was frankly, a no brainer to support them. The collective effort to support and rescue neglected children living a desperate existence was extremely touching to learn about.” Chris completed the marathon in just 4 hours and 21 minutes and enjoyed his first Brighton marathon experience. Chris explains “Running along the sea front was probably the highlight for me, second to crossing the finish line because I had to manage the agony of constant cramping for the last 10 miles! It was an honour to represent COTE and I could’t have done it without so many people cheering me on. Collectively John and Chris have raised over £1100 for Children on the Edge. We can’t thank our runners enough for all their support which will enable us to continue helping forgotten children around the world. If you would like to run the Brighton Marathon 2016 for us please email [email protected]. |
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