Empowering Youth Champion to Say No to Child Marriage

SADC PROTOCOL@WORK SUMMIT 2024 Girls need education not husbands say no to child marriage

Quotable Quotes Since joining Junior council and Jedidiah Trust, I have learnt that my voice matters. I now understand that being a child of an incarcerated parent doesn't define who one is. I feel empowered to share their story and help them, knowing that they are not alone in this journey. One of the most memorable experiences in my role as a child councillor at Jedidiah Trust occurred during our annual celebration for the Day of the African Child. This event is not just a day of fun; it's a moment for children like me, who have been affected by parental incarceration, to feel valued and heard. As I stood on stage sharing my story, I noticed a young girl in the audience who had just lost her mother to incarceration. I saw tears streaming down her face, and it struck me how deeply our experiences resonate with one another. After my speech, she approached me, expressing how my words gave her hope and made her feel less alone. In that moment, I realised the profound impact we can have when we share our stories. This experience exemplifies why I qualify as a Driver of Change. By using my voice, I empower others to speak out about their struggles and advocate for our rights. Together, we are building a community that fosters healing.

Experience as a leader Growing up in Zimbabwe, I faced many challenges as a child, especially after my father was incarcerated. This experience left a profound mark on my life, shaping my understanding of the struggles faced by children like me. My journey towards becoming a child councillor at Jedidiah Trust began when I participated in a community workshop focused on gender awareness and the impact of Incarceration on families. During one session, a facilitator shared her story of resilience, which sparked a light bulb moment for me: I realised that my experiences could empower others. Inspired, I joined Jedidiah Trust as a volunteer, where I learned about advocacy and support for children affected by parental incarceration. One particularly emotional moment occurred during a support group meeting when a young boy shared how he felt invisible because of his father's absence. As I listened, I felt compelled to help him find his voice. Together, we crafted a letter to his father, expressing his feelings and hopes. Witnessing his transformation from sadness to empowerment solidified my commitment to this work. Now, as a child councillor, I strive to be a Driver of Change, advocating for the rights and dignity of children impacted by incarceration and fostering resilience in our community. Girls needs education not husbands. Say no to child marriages

WHO IS THIS YOUTH CHAMPION? Detail My name is Robin Dondo. I am a 15 year old girl. Aform 3 student and a juniour councillor as well as a child representative for Jedidah trust. I live in Norton. Zimbabwe what makes me unique is the ability to feel for others and I also possess a keen eye I notice where there s need and the zeal to speak on behalf of others. Include Photos or videos We need education not husbands. Say no to child marriages

WHAT DRIVES YOU? Detail Include Photos or videos Empower Children: To provide a safe space for children affected by parental incarceration, enabling them to express their emotions and share their stories. 2. Advocate for Rights: To promote awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by these children, advocating for their rights within the community and beyond. 3. Foster Resilience: To equip children with the tools and support they need to overcome adversity and build a brighter future. Personal Mission Statement "Empowering children impacted by parental incarceration through advocacy, support, and education, fostering resilience and hope forna better tomorrow. Girls needs education not husbands. Say no to child marriages

My work as child councillor at Jedidiah Trust As a child councillor at Jedidiah Trust, my work revolves around supporting children impacted by parental incarceration through various key activities designed to empower, educate, and advocate for their rights. Include Photos or videos Support Groups: one of our primary activities is conducting weekly support group sessions where children can share their experiences in a safe and nurturing environment. These sessions allow participants to express their emotions, discuss their challenges and build connections with peers who understand their struggles. I facilitate discussions that encourage openness and healing, helping children realize they are not alone in their journeys. Advocacy and Awareness campaigns: we also engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the issues faced by children of incarcerated parents. This includes organising community workshops and collaborating with local organizations to promote understanding and reduce stigma. I often share my own story to illustrate the importance of support for these children, aiming to inspire others to take action. Educational workshops: in addition to emotional support, we conduct educational workshops focused on.life skills, resilience, and self-advocacy. These workshops equip children with the tools they need to navigate their circumstances and empowering them to voice their needs effectively. Challenges faced: while my work is fulfilling, it is not without challenges. One negative experience that stands out was when a child I had been working with closely with suddenly withdrew from out sessions after a family crisis. It was heartbreaking to see someone I had connected with struggle in silence. This experience reinforced the importance of continuous outreach and follow-up, reminding me that not every child will feel ready to engage openly at all times. Through these activities, I strive to create a supportive community that fosters resilience and hope among children affected by parental incarceration, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive Girls needs education not husbands. Say no to child marriages

CHALLENGES 1. Challenges faced in pushing for gender equality in my work Stigma and societal norms Limited Resources: Financial constrains ristrict our ability to implement comprehensive gender-focused progams without adequate funding. Cultural Barriers : Deeply entrenched cultural beliefs dictate how gender roles are percieved, making it dufficult to challange existing norms Access to Education : Children affected by parential incarceration often experience disruption in their education, which disproportionately impacts girls who may be expected to take on care givers roles and this limits their opportunities for Emowerement and advocacy. Share videos/photos of evidence 2. 3. 4. 5. Girls needs education not husbands. Say no to child marriages

What has changed in your life? Championing gender equality has profoundly changed my life , transforming my perspective and action as a child councillor at Jedidiah Trust Initially, l was unaware of the extent to which gender roles and societal expectations influenced the lives of children affected by parential incarceration. Through my involvement in gender-focused workshops and advocacy , l began to understand the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. A pivotal moment came when i facilitated a support group session where a girl shared her struggles with feeling invisible due to her father s incarceration . Her story illuminated the intersection of gender and familial challenges, prompting me to advocate more fiercely for these children s rights. This experience deepened my commitment to gender equality and inspired me to empower others to find their voices. Key figures in this journey include mentors at Jedidiah Trust who provided guidance and resources , as well as fellow councillors who shared their experiences and insights. Their support helped me realize that change starts at the individual level and can ripple through the community. Today l actively challenge gender stereotypes and promote inclusivity in our programs. This journey has not only enhanced my understanding of gender dynamics but also solidified my role as a Driver of Change, committed to fostering an environment where every child can thrive regardless of their circumstances Girls needs education not husbands. Say no to child marriages

Capacity Building Initiatives initiated To build the capacity of others at Jedidiah Trust , l organised a workshop on emotional resilience and self-advocacy for children affected by parantial incarceration. This training aimed to equip participants with essential skills to express feelings and advocate for their needs . The workshop outline had an introduction to emotional resilience, story sharing ,self-advocacy techniques , and role-playing scenarios with feedback and reflection. This workshop empowered children to take charge of their narratives and fostered a supportive environments for personal growth. Girls needs education not husbands. Say no to child marriages

LessonsLearnt Throughout my journey at Jedidiah Trust, several key lessons have emerged: 1. The power of storytelling : sharing personal experiences fosters connections and healing, helping children feel less isolated in their struggles. Empowerment through education: providing children with tools for self-advocacy enhances their confidence and ability to navigate challenges. Community support is vital : building a supportive network among peers and caregivers creates a afe space for open dialogue about emotionsand experiences flexibility in approach : tailoring programs to the unique needs of each child is essential for effective support. 2. 3. 4. These lessons underscore the importance of empathy, adpatability and collaboration in driving meaningful change. Girls needs education not husbands say no to early marriages

NEXT STEPS Use graphics and tables to illustratethe next steps. As l look to the future, my plans at Jedidiah Trust focus on exanding our future initiatives to better suport children affected by parential incarceration and to further champion gender equality within our community. I am to develop a more comprehensive training workshop for both children and caregivers, focusing on emotional resilience and self-advocacy and gender awareness. Also, intend to initiate advocacy campaigns that adress stigma surrounding parential incarceration aiming to change societal perceptions and promote inclusive policies that protect childrens rights. Establishing peer support networks will support ongoing emotional support and a platform for children to share their experiences and strategies for coping. In conclusion, my journey has reinforced the belief that every child deserves a voice and an opportunity to thrive despite their circumstances. By continuing to champion gender equality and advocate for vulnerable children , l hope to create lasting change in our community, ensuring that no child feels alone in their journey and together we can build a better future for all.

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