This closure report is for the following Open Forum:
Child Mirror Liberia Child Rights Open Forum
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Click here to view photos from this event!
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OUTCOMES |
What were the major issues that were expressed in the group? Please provide a summary of all the key points that were shared at the forum.
The forum discussed the protection, survival, participation and development rights of the child as is stipulated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). ILO Convention 182, which bans the worst forms of child labour and the right of the child against them was also highlighted. The discussants looked at means in filling the gaps that are militating against the adherence of these rights in the country. The lack of adequate awareness on the right of the child, preventive strategies, legal framework in punishing violators and the reluctance on the part of some to monitor abuses were brought to limelight.
Providing child rights materials to children and the lack of programs to provide legal and counseling for abused children and children in conflict with the law and programs to reintergrate abused children in society were also looked at.
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Do you think the Open Forum was effective in terms of inspiring and helping participants take positive action locally, nationally and/or globally? What specific actions did you agree to take individually or as a group in the future?
Certainly. The goals inclulde popularizing the international ratified child rights protocols for children themselves to understand that these protocols promote their rights. By knowing their rights, they can demand their rights and of course enjoy them. Those in attendance were enlightened on these concepts. Also, the forum built the self-esteem of children to freely talk about issues that hinder them from realizing their full potentials. Additionally, it provided an opportunity for children to call on policy makers to embark on programs which are favourable to them. And it set the platform for other children to truly understand that their rights are inherent and indivisible which cannot be taken from them by the state, or any institution or person.
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What do you feel were the positive outcomes resulting from this forum that may help create change in your community?
To a great extent yes. It inspired the participants that collectively, a lot can be accrued, knowing fully well that a team spirit yields mulitiplier dividends. Each participant decided to educate their peers on the thematic issues discussed. Each person also agreed to serve as torch bearers in promoting child rights awareness at the community and school levels. And each participant will be taking the lead to discuss about these issues at conferences, games, cultural festivities and other public functions at the national and international levels in eliciting massive support for others to promote child rights education.
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How many youth were in attendance? 78
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How many of the youth in attendance were TIG members? 6
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LESSONS AND INSIGHTS
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Were there any major struggles that you faced while coordinating this forum, before and during the actual event? How did you overcome these obstacles?
Yes, the issues of coordinating transportation for members of the child rights clubs from Monrovia to attend the forum in Virginia, printing of more copies of the rights of the child and mobilizing children especially those in conflict with the law posed challenges.
Means were strategized in finding local transportation despite the cost to transport some of child rights members from Monrovia to attend the program to inspire the children in the local Virginia community. For printing extra copies of the child rights education material, we negotiated with the printers by paying 50 percent with the arrangement to finalize payment later at a later time.
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Were there any major factors that helped you coordinate this forum more easily than expected?
Yes, the willingness of the Child Mirror Family to volunteer their services in working extra hours with the children and the support given by the local community to be receptive to child rights education. And the encouragement of parents of the participating children to allow their children to attend meetings. The enthuaism from the children themselves to participate actively in the activities were great factors that propelled the hosting of the forum.
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