We see hope in Lisa.
Lisa is 15 and in standard 7 at primary school in Loitokitok, Kenya. She has five brothers and is the only girl. Her family is from the Masai tribe and culturally this means that children are not encouraged to speak up in front of their parents. In the area where Lisa lives, many boys are denied an education so they can look after their families’ herds and girls are married off young and often subjected to female genital mutilation. Since joining the HOPEHIV-funded child rights club at her school, Lisa has shared what she has learnt about children’s rights (which are protected by Kenya law but often disregarded in reality) with her brothers, who have responded very positively. Lisa has also begun to talk to her mother about how she feels. She is still struggling with her Dad but believes that with time this will also change. Lisa’s courage in trying to change damaging attitudes and practices in the community has huge implications for other children. The child rights club is backed up by a team of teachers and parents who link up with traditional leaders to ensure that the community is supportive of the project and its aims, allowing their children to participate weekly.
Find out more about ANPPCAN Child Rights Clubs.
Names and some photos have been changed to protect confidentiality.
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