‘Picture it’ for International Women's Day 2015: Preventing Child marriage - a mother’s perspective6/3/2015
‘This is not what we want for our daughters’
This was the feedback we received in our recent research, talking to a focus group of mothers we work with in Bangladesh about child marriage. They said ‘Single girls as young as 11 have to endure sexual advances, harassment, rape and kidnap. They are safe from this if they are married. In our country girls cannot earn, only boys can earn so girls have to marry. Girls just have to produce children’. Western Bangladesh has the worst rate of child marriage, but in the eastern Chittagong region where we work, the child marriage rate is still 58 percent, with our local partner MUKTI reporting that the rate in Cox’s Bazar where the Community Schools are located, is 67 percent. Together with MUKTI, Children on the Edge Community Schools work to address this situation. By providing free and flexible education to girls who would otherwise have no opportunity, the schools provide the opportunity to progress to mainstream primary school, and through to higher education, instead of being married off. The staff on the programme also work on children’s rights, focus on enrolling girls and on encouraging parents on the importance of education versus the ills of child marriage. This has had a great effect on the mothers who now describe how ‘We know everything. We know what this means. We know that girls are too young for pregnancy and childbirth and it hurts them, we know they are not ready for family, we would want a different life for them’. The group of mothers we are talking too were all married young, One lady is unmarried, the rest of us were married at 13,17,14,13 and 16 years of age. They say ‘this is also why we know it is not right’. Much progress has been made in Cox’s Bazar, but there is a huge amount to be done to build on these steps. We are currently fundraising in order to support more initiatives to ease the transition to primary school for children in slum communities. Despite being academically prepared when they leave the community schools, parents still struggle to pay for uniforms and transport. We are also working through a Child Committee to make girls aware of their rights, and give them the confidence that they are entitled to an education and a voice. This article is written as part of the marking of the 2015 International Women's Day. This year's theme, “Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!" envisions a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices, such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination. Read about the project Donate to our work ‘Picture it’ for International Women's Day 2015 - Changing the future for girls in Bangladesh6/3/2015
‘I want to be a doctor, that would change everything for me and my family’ - Maisa Maisa is 12 years old and lives in a slum in southern Bangladesh. Her father has died and her mother is sick with a heart problem so Maisa has to earn more money. Consequently she is working on the beach as tour guide, then in the evening she is responsible for her four sisters. She grows a vegetable garden, and cooks for the whole family. She cannot attend school as without her the family will have no income. Not very conducive to training to be a doctor. Children on the Edge together with our partner MUKTI, support nine Community Schools specifically set up to help children like Maisa who work the Cox’s Bazar beach area. Here she can receive a nutritious meal, attend lessons, freshen up with a wash and have the chance to play and rest with her friends. As class time is just a few hours in teh afternoon, Maisa is still free to earn for her family. She does her homework in the evenings and she is part of a Child Committee which encourages her to grow in confidence in expressing her opinion on how the programme is run and develop leadership skills. Staff at the Community Schools have a specific focus on increasing recruitment of girls to ensure their access to opportunities and to contribute to breaking of the cycle of child marriage. Staff work alongside children’s families, helping parents and carers to understand the value of education, helping to achieve high attendance rates and long term commitment to and support for their children’s education. Maisa has already learnt to read, loves school and says she is happy that it is changing her fate. This article is written as part of the marking of the 2015 International Women's Day. This year's theme, “Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!" envisions a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices, such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination. Read about the project Donate to our work Children on the Edge have been supporting the transformation of a community in Soweto Slum, Jinja, Uganda for over 3 years. The main part of the programme is focussed on child rights and child protection, but sustainability and independence is an overarching aim. Once children have graduated from the Child Friendly Space which provides education and nutrition for ages 3-6, they are fully equipped to attend mainstream primary school. Despite education being ‘free’ in Uganda, the costs of travel, uniform and books is still too high for most families in Soweto. To counter this problem and provide extra income for these vulnerable households, the project has begun providing small business start-up loans to women in the community. Some sell vegetables that they have learned to grow through the agricultural component of the project, some are responsible for the new water standpipes that have been installed, and earn money serving the community this way. One group of women though, have thought outside the box and pooled their business loans to create a cooperative pottery business. A group of around 10 women meet together every Thursday and work together to purify clay taken from the Nile riverbed. ‘It’s quite a social experience’ says Rachel Bentley, Director at Children on the Edge, ‘all the women are widows, many are grandmother's looking after up to 10 children, so it’s something that provides relationship for them as well as an income. They sit together and talk while they work on the clay, then they take it to a local potter.’ The potter shapes the clay into pots for them and then the cooperative sell them. The next step is for them to get their own potters wheel, so the cost of production is not taken out of their profits. This article is written as part of the marking of the 2015 International Women's Day. This year's theme, “Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!" envisions a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices, such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination. Read about the project Donate to our work The occurrence of child sacrifice remains extensive throughout Uganda, with children disappearing frequently, only to be found murdered or mutilated by witch doctors as part of ceremonial ritual.
This practice is rooted in the belief that blood sacrifice can bring fortune, wealth and happiness. The ‘purer’ the blood, the more potent the spell, making innocent children a target. Witch doctors look for children without marks or piercings, so many parents pierce their children’s ears at birth and get their boys circumcised in an effort to protect them. Children are either abducted from, or in some cases actually given to witch doctors by relatives out of desperation for money. The rituals involve the cutting of children and the removal of some body parts, often facial features or genitals. These brutal acts are done while the child is still alive and very few survive. According to Ugandan police records, incidences of child sacrifice are on the increase with 10 cases recorded in 2013. The Ugandan Internal Trafficking Report estimated this number as 12, where as first hand interviewing by Humane Africa detailed 77 incidents. Current research by KidsRights states that these varying statistics are most likely the ‘tip of the iceberg as data is insufficient and the real scope of child sacrifice is not yet visible’. Evidence that reflects the true scale of the problem is hard to find, as many cases go unreported and, as a result of corruption in the police and judicial system, few perpetrators are ever convicted. UNICEF stated that “Task forces, such as the inter-ministerial Anti-Child Sacrifice/Human Trafficking Task Forces developed under the Uganda Police, lack resources to convene and exist often in name only”. Masese II (Soweto slum) - Jinja Masese II is a small community of displaced people on the outskirts of Jinja in Eastern Uganda who have predominantly fled from past conflict in the north of the country. They have suffered many ritual attacks on their children and in response have formed their own child protection committee to combat the issue. The police have cited the eastern region of Uganda as having the highest incidence of child sacrifice cases; with police chief Moses Binonga blaming the high infiltration of unregistered healers. With little protection or justice from the authorities, communities like this were seemingly powerless. In partnership with Ugandan NGO ADSN (Adolescent Development Support Network), we started a programme here in 2012 after a needs assessment identified the children in this slum as particularly vulnerable. The only industry present at this time was the brewing of potent alcohol (Waragi) which did not generate enough income for parents and carers to be able to feed their children or send them to school. With many adults inebriated and a prevalence of grandmother and child-headed households, children were particularly vulnerable to being taken. To bring the abduction rates down, a Child Friendly Space was established in the community, using a donated local council building. This Centre is a safe place where children from the ages of 3-6 receive a daily meal, learn and play and receive care from trusted adults. When they reach primary school age their parents/carers are supported through income generating schemes to be able to send their children to school. As part of the project, a patch of land was donated to grow food for the children at the Centre and to enable many adults from the community to develop agricultural livelihoods as an alternative to dangerous and less profitable breweries. The most important component of the programme has been the establishment of a Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC). At the height of the killing spate in July 2012, ten responsible adults were identified within the community and were trained on all aspects of child protection. Part of this process was to raise awareness on the issue of child sacrifice, tackling the beliefs, mindsets and behaviour that sustain the practice. These workshops were held together with local leaders and police. The CCPC then began raising awareness of child protection issues within the community, holding community wide meetings and visiting door to door. They were equipped with a loudspeaker system so that when a child went missing the community could be alerted. This along with a bicycle so that members could immediately report cases to the local police has proved to be a remarkable deterrent to the perpetrators. Children have participated in the process by engaging with social mapping sessions, identifying the area by the railway tracks as presenting the most risk for abduction. Children used to collect scrap around these tracks, but since the mapping session they avoid it, and the committee have taught them about not wandering too far from home. All of these measures have resulted in a rapid decrease in abductions, with seven cases in 2011, eight in 2012 and then a complete eradication of incidents in Masese II in last 18 months. The Child Protection Committee stated that “There was one attempted case nine months ago, when a four-year-old girl was taken, but swiftly rescued by community members”. Says ADSN programme manager Edwin Wanede, “What doesn’t work well are awareness campaigns that are not owned by the local people within the community”. The CCPC has created an impact by building relationship and trust, but the government’s poster, radio and TV ads do not get the message through. This is because many poorer communities are illiterate, and people respond better to the advice of their own friends and neighbours, rather than that of strangers and authorities. With work in Masese II proving effective, Children on the Edge and ADSN have started developing the programme in two neighbouring communities where these issues remain unaddressed. Rachel Bentley, Director at Children on the Edge says “Only two weeks ago, during my last visit we heard that two children in the Jinja area had gone missing. The mother found two skulls which she suspects are her children’s. Previously her partner had suggested one child be given to a witch doctor in exchange for 200 million shillings (£45,000). It’s clearly time to begin some work on replicating the Masese project in other areas”. One of these places is Wandagu, which is situated off a main highway and consequently prone to passers-by stealing children for child sacrifice. Isolated parts of the sugar plantations here also provide hiding places for the perpetrators. Just four months ago a five-year-old girl was found murdered amongst the sugar canes, with parts of her body missing. A Child Protection Committee is already being formed here, and a few bicycles and loudspeakers bought. The hope is that soon the Wandagu community will form a safety net as strong as that in Masese II. Find out more about our project in Uganda Donate to our work The 900 working children we work with in Bangladesh have recently enjoyed their annual Sports Day and picnic, organised by our partner organisations MUKTI.
Every child who attends the Community Schools supported by Children on the Edge in the area was invited along for a day of races, games, food and prizes. Awards were given to total of 223 children to recognise many different achievements ranging from best student, to best school results and 100% attendance of the class in a year. Project worker Mamum Rashid describes the event: “The best thing about the day was that it’s a big gathering for all the children, so they are introducing each other, making friends and enjoying their freedom on the day. They are also learning sporting discipline and those who win prizes are really inspired.” The children who attend the Community Schools are all from different slums throughout Cox’s Bazar and the low income of their families mean that they need to contribute earnings just so their households can survive. These families cannot afford to lose this income, so education is out of the question. The Community schools provide free education for a few hours each day, enabling the children to continue their roles with their families and not miss out on their learning. The schools also focus on giving them time to just be children, free from the ‘adult’ responsibilities of earning and working. They play with their friends, freshen up and enjoy a snack each day. Mamun goes on to say “It was a completely different emotion at the picnic session. Everyone is equal, there was lots of smiling and joy, which is something, in their lives they often miss out on”. Find out more about the project. Donate to the work in Bangladesh. Read our other news stories related to this project. A few weeks ago we reported that thanks to your generous contributions over Christmas we were able to provided essential winter supplies for Syrian refugee children, suffering freezing weather conditions in Lebanese camps.
Prior to this the children were running around in the snow wearing just flip flops. Recent reports and photos (more below) from our partners show the children being given the boots (all funded by one very kind donor!) as well as warm jackets, mattresses and blankets. Children on the Edge is not primarily a disaster response organisation, we focus more on longer term re-building, restoration and development, but in the places we work there are often times when we need to provide some practical resources at short notice, and we’re really grateful that our supporters rally so readily at such times. Until next Winter, in addition to the running of the current two camp schools for these refugee children we will be working on securing funding for the establishment of three further, much needed schools. Project leader Nuna has already found a possible place for the third school and will be coordinating with UNHCR and other NGOs to make sure this is the best place to focus. She networks with these organisations on a regular basis in order to ensure the work is always directed where the need is greatest. Once up and running each school costs between £20-25,000 per year to run. If you would like to donate then please find out more. As your response over Christmas illustrated, a little generosity can make a huge difference. Thank you. “When I was a boy, I read a lot of fantasy books, and it was all about adventures and quests, it just seemed so exciting. I guess that never grew out of me and I wanted my own adventure”.
This is the opening statement for Alan’s description of why he would even consider rowing solo across the Atlantic. Now after 55 days at sea, Alan has made it across, smashing his target time of 90 days and rowing 3000 miles. Furthermore he is using his adventure to raise money for Children on the Edge. Alan described his daily routine as “Wake up, breakfast, prepare hydration and food for the day, row/eat, hygiene, relax, sleep, repeat.” He regularly wrote about the trip from the middle of the ocean, describing the challenges he experienced. These ranged from overnight drifting, powerful waves, swells and winds, sea sickness, cravings, equipment failure, calloused hands, sleepless nights, sores and burnt lips. Overcoming all of these obstacles is described day by day in his blog, and we’d recommend it as an interesting read! It wasn’t all bad, Alan also writes about his observations at sea. He was able so see many and various birds, fish of different shapes and colours including sharks, whales and flying fish. He describes how “Watching them [flying fish] fly into a wave was a little amusing. Magic, they just disappeared, like the train platform in Harry Potter. He also enjoyed clear skies to view the stars and continually talked about ‘next time I do this I will…’ which indicates an unbroken spirit! We’re hugely grateful to Alan for choosing to support us through this superhuman challenge and looking forward to catching up with him when he’s fully rested. Watch this space for an interview with the man himself. Donate on Alan’s Just Giving page Read about the adventure on his blog As we feared, the winter snow has come in blizzards over Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, making already harsh conditions far worse for Syrian refugees in the camps. The tents they live in are substandard in the extreme cold and health is suffering badly.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported last Friday that the challenges in the region have increased, but the resources are not enough and they need to enlist the support of the international community. In a race against time UNHCR, governments and their partners have worked in recent days to replace damaged tents, provide repair kits, deliver emergency supplies and provide alternative shelter for those who were forced to flee their homes due to the harsh conditions. However, despite these efforts, the situation across the region remains precarious for most refugees who already live in extremely critical conditions. In the camps we work in, thanks to a generous donation just before Christmas we were able to provide shoes for all of the children in the schools. Project manager Nuna said “The children were soooo thrilled! They were walking in the snow with plastic slippers and yesterday they all came to school with their new boots!”. What we need to do now is raise just over £65,000 for the running of the schools this year. Included in this is the price of wood to keep the spaces warm and cozy through the weather as well as other essential supplies for the children for Winter. So all financial support we can get at this time is vital. Find out more about the refugee schools in Lebanon. Read our past news stories on Lebanon. Donate to the project. Thank you for your support You may remember an intrepid group of walkers last year organising three stunningly scenic, circular walks in Dorset to raise money for our projects.
The event was organised by one of our ambassadors, and this year the ‘Maxse’ group are back with another five gorgeous routes covering the Dorset Coast and Hardy’s Hills between the 25th and 29th March. The good news is not only that they’re raising money for us, but that the event is open to everyone, human and canine alike. If you’re a keen walker, then you can go the whole hog and complete all five days, or for those with time (and energy!) constraints you can just pick out a day, or join the group for a morning. It’s a very flexible programme, just have a look through the schedule, and then sign up to what you’d like to do. Highlights include unspoiled valleys and hills, a visit to Mapperton Manor gardens or Kingscombe Meadows Nature reserve, spectacular views of Chesil Beach, the renowned gardens of Littlebredy and Nettlecomb Tout (featured in Tess of the D’Urbervilles). Routes also give views of the Blackmore Vale, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the fabulous coast path past the Old Harry Rocks. To charge up walkers for the challenge there will be options of pub lunches or picnics depending on your preference. Dogs can join in the trek for a small charge and 100% of the money goes to both our work and the work of The Institute for Cancer Research. We wish the walkers all the best for a wonderfully fresh-aired and rosy-cheeked time. For any questions about the event please e-mail Sally Marien. Last week saw a whole day of celebration for 36 new 'graduates' of the Child Friendly Space we support in Jinja, Uganda.
The whole community of Soweto turned out to mark the achievements of the top age group of children at the Centre, many of whom will now be transitioning to mainstream primary school. This has been made possible by the educational foundation they have built at the Centre, and by the livelihood scheme which is part and parcel of the programme here. The livelihood scheme enables parents to be able to afford primary school by loaning them the money for fees and costs, then providing them with agricultural training, inputs, or supporting them with other small business ventures, until they are able to pay back the fees, and continue funding their child's education independently. A recent report showed that through these training sessions, not only are women developing their own source of income, but the output from the farm has significantly increased and enabled an increased supply of nutritious vegetables and other food stuffs to the Child Friendly Space. More nutritious crops have also been introduced on the farm based on the advice from officials from the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital children’s unit with whom the staff at the Centre have established a partnership to guide them in issues of nutrition. Consequently the younger children joining the Centre now the older ones are moving on, will be enjoying a constant supply of nutrition in their meals, from their own parents. Certainly a cause for celebration all round. Find out more about the Child Friendly Space in Uganda. Read other stories about the project. |
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