So They Can – a Non Profitable Organization on Monday joined the World in marking Day of the African Child.
The Organization together with other partners and Government hosted the day both in Nakuru West and Marigat of Nakuru and Baringo counties respectively.
It should be noted that So They Can Organization has continued to impact lives of school children in the two counties especially in marginalized sub counties.
In Nakuru County, the Organization together with partners held procession that was flagged off by Nakuru West Deputy County Commissioner Omar Ali.
Speaking during the flagging off, DCC Ali reiterated the need for more budgeting towards the rights of African Child.
He called on all the agencies and stakeholders to work closely with government on safeguarding the rights of children.
The DCC also tasked National Government officials including chiefs to ensure the same.
“We all have a responsibility to guard the rights of children. In the same spirit I want to sound stern warning to those violating children’s right that the law will soon catch up with you,” he stated.
They procession later congregated at Milimani Comprehensive School in London Ward, Nakuru West Constituency where the participants among them students, teachers, So They Can Organization staff led by one of the Directors Wilkister Akinyi, National Government officials and other organizations working with children participated in a tree planting exercise at the school.
Addressing the congregants, So They Can Organization Managing Director in charge of Education Programs Wilkister Akinyi reiterated the need for more budgeting by Governments(Both National and County) towards the rights of children.
Ms Akinyi who pointed out that as Organization they are working at grassroot in Nakuru and Baringo to empower children through education and community services, noted that proper planning is key in matters budget that is gender responsive and that can help on matters children rights.
“Families play key role in shaping children, but then if the child’s rights including right to health, education among others are violated then we are failing and that is why as an Organization we are doing all we can towards education for children. This is through programs that focus on children policies and protection as we work in the 14 schools in Nakuru and Baringo counties,” he stated.
Akinyi regrets that for many years the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups including children, women and PWDs have been neglected.
She called for concerted effort through budgetary allocation towards the same in sectors such as education and health that touch on children rights.
“Budget champions and society as a while including taxpayers and duty bearers there is need for all of us to attend budget forums and ensure we give priority to such through gender responsive budget both at Counties and National level” she stated.
Sentiments echoed by Nakuru West Children Officer Ms Irene Changwony.
She advocated for the need for all rights pertaining children to be protected.
The officer sounded a stern warning to families that have continued to violate a children rights.
“We are very vigilant as officers on the ground to ensure that our children are protected. We call on society to join hands and ensure such cases of violation are reported and the law takes up ensuring justice for the child,” she stated.
She at the same time revealed that neglect on the side of the society should be addressed.
According to her, once a case has been reported, to he judicial process kicks off to ensure justice is served.
The officer reiterated that no child in society should be violated.