Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: GAYO’s Impact through District Child Parliament Committee Orientation

As Girls Activist Youth Organization (GAYO), our commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of children extends beyond mere power of speech. We take concrete steps to ensure that children are not only heard but also protected and empowered. One such impactful initiative spearheaded by GAYO is the orientation of the District Child Parliament Committee (DCPC), an event that exemplifies our dedication to creating a brighter future for the next generation.

At GAYO, we recognize the critical role played by the District Child Parliament Committee in championing the rights of children within our district. Through our recent orientation program, we aimed to equip committee members with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to effectively address child parliament concerns and advocate for the rights of every child.

Our orientation program had clear objectives which were:

• To ensure committee members understand their roles and responsibilities as outlined in national and local child parliament policies and laws.
• To cultivate a shared understanding of child rights principles, fostering an environment of non-discrimination and child participation.
• To strengthen collaboration among committee members, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in child protection.
• To enhance the capacity of committee members in identifying, reporting, and responding to child parliament concerns, including instances of abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
• To promote a child-friendly approach in all interventions and services provided by the committee and its partners.

Our orientation program covered essential aspects:

• Legal Framework and Mandate: We provided an overview of pertinent laws, policies, and conventions, ensuring committee members are well-versed in their legal obligations.
• Child Rights and Protection Principles: Emphasis was placed on key principles such as the right to survival, development, protection, and participation, fostering a culture of respect and dignity.
• Committee Structure and Functions: We introduced the composition of the DCPC and clarified the roles and responsibilities of different members and sub-committees.
• Child Parliament Issues and Interventions: Identification of prevalent issues such as child labor, trafficking, and violence facilitated targeted interventions and support mechanisms.
• Coordination and Collaboration: We underscored the importance of collaboration with relevant stakeholders, promoting a comprehensive approach to child protection.
• Capacity Building and Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing capacity building ensures committee members remain equipped to tackle emerging challenges.

Expected Outcomes: Through our orientation program, we anticipate:

• Enhanced knowledge and understanding among committee members on child parliament laws, principles, and interventions.
• Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders for a more effective child parliament response.
• Improved capacity of the DCPC to identify, report, and address child parliament concerns in a timely and child-sensitive manner.
• Enhanced advocacy efforts to raise awareness and mobilize community support for child parliament initiatives.

The orientation of the District Child Parliament Committee stands as a testament to GAYO’s unwavering commitment to the rights and well-being of children. By investing in such initiatives, we strive to create a safer and more equitable world for our future leaders. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of children’s rights and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their potential.