IDAY Newsletter - Fall 2015

IDAY

Newsletter Fall 2015

Š IDAY-International aisbl

Education to eliminate child marriages in Africa

Raising voices for education in Africa

Features

News from the IDAY network Day of the African Child 2015 Interview with the African Union IDAY Project: bicycles against school drop-out

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Regional Assembly in Dakar

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Index 2 - The Chairman’s view 3 - News from IDAY network 4-5 - Day of the African Child 6 -7 - Interview with the African Union 8 - Bicycles against school drop-out

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About IDAY IDAY-International is an advocacy network of African civil associations working in the education field.

IDAY-International fights for the rights of every young African to get full access to quality education by encouraging a positive and sustainable dialogue between African civil society and their governments.

IDAY-International 19, rue des Jambes - 1420 Braine-l’Alleud - Belgium Responsible Publisher : J-J. Schul Editor in chief / Graphic designer : L. Fourmentin Phone: +32 (0)2 385 44 12 - lfourmentin@iday.org Bank account: IBAN - BE 93 5230 8026 6767 BIC - TRIOBEBB (TRIODOS).

IDAY p. 2 / Fall 2015

Making school -not only in theory but also in practice- a true learning place to which parents can entrust their daughters without second thought requires the quality of education to be significantly improved and education to become more responsive to the specific needs of youth and families in Africa.

If low salaries are a cause of high absenteeism rates among teachers and school directors, they also at times play a role in undermining morality at school. In this, two projects published on IDAY’s Project Bank (n ° 43 in Togo and 44 in Kivu, DRC) aim at supporting youth committees to ensure that teachers do not abuse their position by compensating for their meager pay with abuses on students (especially girls) in particular when giving the grades.

Improving the living environment in schools also contributes to encouraging parents to keep their daughters in school rather than marrying them at a young age.

This is why IDAY intends to launch a campaign to assess the quality of basic education in areas where members of our network are present. This is expected to impact pupils’ attendance, and by extension the number of early marriages and of unwanted pregnancies among the youth.

Jean-Jacques Schul Chairman of IDAY-International

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News / IDAY-International Regional Assembly in Dakar

A Regional Assembly of IDAY coalitions from West and Central Africa took place on June 4 in Dakar, Senegal. 33 delegates of 11 coalitions fom the subregion, of IDAY-International and of IDAY European members working in Senegal met to exchange on their activities and challenges and strengthen each other’s skills. They also discussed the orientation of their future actions, particularly in terms of regional campaigns for the promotion of education.

This meeting was preceeded by a regional workshop on the theme “Quality education for all vulnerable children and youth, a priority for the post-2015 agenda for education in Africa”.

This meeting resulted in a number of action points on minors in prison and children in conflict and post-conflict areas in Africa , as well as for the improvement of school health.

A new coordinator for the IDAY network Since July 2015, the IDAY network has a new coordinator!

Masala Boly took over Noëlle Garcin for the overall coordination of the network, facilitating the development of our regional campaigns and the development of partnerships with other stakeholders.

The world as seen through the eyes of people with disability As part of its campaign for inclusive education for children and youth with disabilities, IDAY-Kenya organised the first of a series of photo exhibitions with the works of the Jiwakilishe Youth Disability Group. This initiative of the Association for the Intellectually Kenya Association Challenged (KAIH), a member of the coalition, aims at promoting the intellectual and creative abilities of young people with mental disabilities.

Through this project, 10 youngsters serve as self-advocate of their rights and help change social perceptions about them. Do not miss the next exhibition at Tangaza College in Nairobi University!

With a solid academic background in international relations, development and human rights, Masala intends to actively contribute to development in Africa with a special attention for children. Therefore after several professional experiences in the field of development and the protection of children’s rights in Belgium and Burundi, she chose to put her skills to the cause of education with IDAY.

Mission to IDAY-Gabon The Secretary General and the Coordinator of IDAY conducted in July the first coordination and monitoring mission to IDAY- Gabon since the coalition became a member of the network. They were able to meet several IDAY-Gabon a members and various of education, governance and civil society stakeholders in Gabon.

The country faces significant challenges, both in terms of improving the quality of education and of credibility of local civil society. IDAY- Gabon intends to address them by bringing together Gabonese civil society organisations to engage a constructive dialogue with the authorities. The mission helped identify some avenues for the coalition to increase its impact through organisational and strategic strengthening.

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Photo exhibition on domestic workers Pictures of domestic workers shot by Rosalie Colfs in collaboration with IDAY-DRC in Kinshasa as part of IDAY campaign on domestic workers, were exhibited on July 3 at the European Union InfoPoint in Brussels. This exhibition was organised on the occasion of a conference on child domestic workers in Africa during which the IDAY Project Director presented the project “Ending violence against child domestic workers in East Africa and DRC through legislation and education” supported by the European Union.

IDAY p. 3 / Fall 2015

Day of the African Child: Education to eliminate Child Marriage in Africa June 16 marks the Day of the African Child. The African Union chose the elimination of child marriage as a theme for his year’s celebration. On this occasion, many national IDAY (International Day of the African Child and Youth) coalitions also decided to make this the main theme of their advocacy at the “annual meeting” of the IDAY network.

Ghana

What does June 16 mean?

On June 16, 1976, the South African Apartheid regime massacred black students in Soweto who refused to submit to second class teaching in Afrikaans. Since 1991, the OAU (later the African Union, AU) made this day the Day of the African Child to promote the rights and well-being of children on the continent.

This day is an opportunity to remind African governments of their responsibilities to ensure basic quality education to all children and youth, to encourage new commitments, and to raise public awareness.

Child Marriage in Africa Forced early marriage (or the forced marriage of children) is defined as a union in which at least one of the spouses is under the age of 18. The word marriage in the broad sense includes cohabitation, engagement, or a conjugal union recognised by civil, religious and/or customary ritual.

Although the elimination of child marriage has been ratified in a number of international instruments, the practice persists.

Growing collective awareness has been reflected through a series of international actions, such as: the adoption by the United Nations Assembly in 2014 of a resolution to abolish the practice; the inclusion of the fight against early marriage in the new Objectives for Sustainable Development ; and the launching by the African Union of a pan-African campaign against child marriage.

In fact, Africa is the second continent after South Asia where the practice is most widespread. It is difficult to estimate the number of early marriages because many are neither registered nor official. Yet in 2012, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimated that “in Sub-Saharan Africa, some 70 million young girls are at risk of being married in the next two decades (by 2030)”.

IDAY p. 4 / Fall 2015

Benin

Forced early marriage constitutes a violation of the fundamental rights and liberties of children in many respects, particularly with regard to their health and physical integrity, safety and family protection, recreation and education. It directly threatens the lives and health of girls whose bodies are often not ready for sexual relations or for giving birth, giving rise to risk of complications which in the worst case may result in death.

Additionally, marrying off young children restricts their future prospects, especially as it too often marks the end of their education.

Celebration of the Day of the African Child by the IDAY network Access to quality basic education being IDAY main goal, all IDAY coalitions celebrate each year the Day of the African Child.

In line with the theme chosen by the AU this year, several IDAY national coalitions have joined their voice to calling on their governments to effectively abolish child marriage and develop strategies to raise awareness and fight the harmful effects of child brides. Joint public awareness campaigns have been set up considering that popular stereotypes about the roles of women and girls in the family and in society are also important drivers for early marriage.

The IDAY network firmly condemns child marriage as a violation of children’s rights. The issue is complex, but a key to this phenomenon can be found in education. Therefore, IDAY focuses on returning children to school, especially girls.

Educated girls are better equipped to make important decisions for their adult life. In other words, education is essential to help curb early marriage.

www.iday.org

Activities per country Rwanda

In Rwanda, the Day of the African Child consisted of a public awareness event in Kigali with three themes on the promotion and protection of Rwandan children and youth.

The first theme was presented by Mr. Nkurunziza (OAU) on “the African Youth Charter” and “the African vision for 2063”.

Mr. Ruzigana followed with an address on “Accelerating our development efforts on early childhood in Rwanda”. Then, Mr. Stany Ngarukiye detailed the efforts accomplished in “Reproductive health and the struggle against violence, sexual diseases and early pregnancies”. Finally, a public debate took place with an audience composed mainly (80%) of youth.

was attended by the network’s member associations of the Mauritanian Network for Education For All (RMEPT), a member of IDAY. Before Sbeikha community members, the mayor of the municipality, the president of the student’s association and others participants held a discussion on inclusive education for children with disabilities.

DRC - Kivu

Many activities were organised in Uvira (South Kivu) to celebrate the Day of the African Child and make the people aware of the “fight against debauchery and early marriage of minors”. On June 16, 2015, some youngsters revealed their experiences on this issue. On June 19, there was a day of reflection aimed at finding ways to tackle the problem. The authorities, local leaders, civil society organisations and 50 students participated in the activities.

DRC - Kinshasa Togo

Togo

The celebration for the Day of the African Child took place on July 11 and 12, 2015 in Kara (a prefecture in Kozah) and in Farandé (Binah). Organised in partnership with RESOPE, the commemorations revolved around the AU theme “25 years after the adoption of the African Charter for the rights and well-being of children: let is increase our efforts to eliminate child marriage in Africa.”

More than 300 people attended, including the Head of district and school directors. The activities began with a march, followed by a children’s performance and speeches by the authorities.

On the second day, a gala football match took place followed

by IDAY-Togo presentations.

Senegal

In Senegal, a panel discussion was organised on June 16, 2015 in Podor (CEM in Touldé Gallé) on the theme “quality education: issues and perspectives” to commemorate the Day of the African Child.

IDAY-RDC Kinshasa celebrated the Day of the African Child on the theme “No to child brides and yes to basic education for all without discrimination and RD Congo”. From May 16 to June 13, 2015, meetings with local actors and advocacy activities found large resonance among the general public. The main event was held on June 20 with a conference-debate on this year’s theme.

Kenya

The Day of the African Child celebration started with a photo awareness campaign “End Child Marriage!” in Narok County in June, in which several officials and community members took part. It was followed by a meeting that included key players from the government (6), and civil society organisations (9). 300 people participated in this discussion on fighting early marriage.

The event was a great success despite adverse weather conditions.

Ghana

A teacher, Mr. Diop, began by presenting the problems and solutions necessary to achieve quality education. Then, Mr. Dème, an English teacher, questioned the relevance of the new curricula and highlighted the problems related to strikes and students’ undernourishment. The president of the school council and the EVF Club concluded by thanking the teachers and students present for arranging this celebration.

Inspired by the African Union’s theme “Let’s accelerate our efforts to end early marriages and promote girls’ education in Ghana”, IDAY-Ghana celebrated the Day of the African Child in Lakpleku, a rural community with a very high rate of early marriage. The IDAY coordinator, Mr. Kenneth Amaoteng, introduced the subject, followed by speeches by Miss Joanna Dogbey (IDAY Young Ambassador), Mr. Selor Atsu-Amedoadzi (a member of the regional assembly), and Ms. Pethrine Addae, (AWAP Project Director). A debate followed these presentations that brought together some 200 participants including some ten officials.

Cameroon

Gabon

From June 13 to 17, several associations joined IDAYCameroon in Yaoundé to celebrate the Day of the African Child with two educational discussions with the Muslim and Bamileke communities, a radio debate, a mass march and a morning of advocacy.

Mauritania

In Mauritania, the Day of the African Child celebration took place on June 16, 2015 in Toujounine on the theme “Respecting children’s rights and promoting inclusive education”. The event

www.iday.org

In Libreville, IDAY-Gabon celebrated the Day of the African Child on June 27, 2015 on the theme “free, quality, mandatory and relevant education for all children in Gabon”. Following a press conference on June 20, more than 350 people took part in these celebrations.

Benin

IDAY-Benin celebrated the Day of the African Child on June 20, 2015 in Oukommou, a village located in a region where early marriages are widespread. The sensitisation event organisd by the coalition was attended by 250 people, of which 150 children from the surroundings.

IDAY p. 5 / Fall 2015

Interview with the African Union about ending child marriage in Africa

M. Olawale I. Maiyegun, African Union

On the occasion of the Day of the African Child, IDAY asked the African Union to tell us more about the history of this day, its activities and the importance of civil society and education.

The Secretariat of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (acerwc.org) and the Campaign Against Forced Child Marriages (http://sa.au.int/en/) answered our questions:

Why did the African Union chose to focus on the elimination of child marriage for the celebration of the 2015 Day of the African Child? What is currently the situation on the African continent?

During the children consultations organised to seek the views and input of children towards the decision of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) on the themes for the Day of the African Child 2014 and 2015, early marriage came out as one of the common themes. The ACERWC during its 22nd Session (November 4-8, 2013) adopted the Addis Ababa Declaration on Ending Discrimination and Violence against Girls in Africa, thus emphasizing the gravity of the problem in Africa and proffering key actions at addressing them.

IDAY p. 6 / Fall 2015

The theme “25 years after the adoption of the African Children’s Charter: Accelerating our collective efforts to end child marriage in Africa“ was inspired by the Day of General Discussion on Child Marriage, which affirmed the recommendation of children to Member States to enhance their efforts to eliminate child marriage.

Though child marriage remains a challenge to Africa’s socioeconomic development, there is continental cohesion in ending the practice and ensuring that children, especially the girl child, are afforded the same rights. Since the launch of the African Union (AU) Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa, we have witnessed countries like Malawi pass into law, a legislation criminalizing child marriage and also witnessed actions being taken at the community level by traditional and religious leaders in trying to put an end to the practice. These changes are also being driven by the increasing presence of civil society in Africa.

www.iday.org

Interview / African Union

How do child mariages affect access to Could you explain the missions and work education for children and youngsters of the African Committee of Experts on the in Africa? To what extend education, and Rights and Welfare of the Child? schools in particular, are important to The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Chid protect children from early marriage?

Where the practice of child marriage is almost universal, the level of education and location have been found to be major determinants, above wealth. Child brides usually drop out of school and are denied the opportunity to complete their education, significantly reducing their ability to earn an income and lift themselves and their children out of poverty.

Conversely, if girls are able to stay in school and avoid early marriage, the benefits are widely felt. Educated girls are more likely to understand and advocate for their rights and they are more likely to raise healthy, educated children. Education can also be one of the most powerful tools to enable girls to avoid early marriage and fulfill their potential. When a girl in the developing world receives seven or more years of education, her chances of ending up as a child bride are drastically reduced.

Which legal instruments and meaures has the African Union adopted on this issue? What are the AU recommendations to its members States to eliminate child marriage?

About 32 African countries [out of 54 have so far set the minimum age of marriage at 18 for both girls and boys, and sometimes above. 18 African countries either have a discriminatory minimum age, meaning that girls and boys are allowed to marry at different ages, or below 18.

This grim picture contravenes all the provisions of the African Youth Charter, the ACRWC and the Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights in Africa; especially the gender dynamics of the rights that these legal instruments seek to operationalise and further undermines the empirical urgency with which investing in Africa, young people have become a sine qua non towards actualising a demographic dividend for accelerated sustainable growth and human development by 2063.

The AU specifically promotes policies related to young peoples’ rights and is mandated by its various aforementioned instruments with a bearing on the rights of children and youth to promote common standards by supporting adaptation and implementation of the instruments at regional and national level and monitoring of implementation progress by Member States and ensuring accountability. The 25th Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government on 15 June 2015 adopted the African Common Position on Ending Child Marriage in Africa detailing 17 key actions which Member States of the AU are to pursue in ending the harmful practice of child marriage.

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(ACRWC) was adopted on July 11, 1990 and came into force on November 29, 1999. The main objective of the ACRWC is to promote and protect the best interests of the African child in a manner that takes into account the historical, economic, social and cultural background and reality of the African continent.

The implementation and monitoring of the ACRWC is supervised by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (African Committee). The ACRWC provides for an independent 11-member committee, appointed by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU. Article 33 of the ACRWC maps out the criteria that need to be met by committee members for selection.

The African Committee has both advisory and contentious jurisdiction over the rights in the ACRWC. Under Article 43, it has the mandate to receive state party reports. States have to report 2 years after ratification and every 3 years thereafter.

The Committee also has the power to receive communications (Article 44) and undertake investigations. Furthermore, the Committee also has the power to undertake tasks such as collecting and documenting information, organising meetings, and perform such other tasks as may be entrusted to it by the AU and the UN.

How does the African Union consult with civil society for the selection of the themes for the celebration of the Day of the African Child, and in general in its decision-making process?

International human rights standards require States to ensure that children participate actively in the making of decisions affecting their lives. This is especially so considering that the youth and children are best placed to articulate issues that concern them and to suggest ways that will shape their own future.

At the initiative of the NGO Plan in Africa, several partners have organised children’s consultations in 15 countries since 2012 with a view to make them participate in the choice of Days of African Child themes in 2013-2018. In addition, these consultations aimed at establishing the level of awareness by children on the existence of child rights; assessing the knowledge of children on the existing of Day of African Child and its celebration; and assessing the level of knowledge and participation of children on issues that affect them.

The ACERWC also works closely with the Civil Society Organisations Forum on the ACRWC (CSO Forum).

Prior to the Sessions of the ACERWC, the CSOS have their own consultative meeting where they come up with recommendations to the ACERWC. The ACERWC also attends the consultative meeting for the CSOs and any other that the CSOs may deem necessary.

IDAY p. 7 / Fall 2015

BICYCLES AGAINST SCHOOL DROP-OUT Bicycles and learning support for underprivileged students in rural Burkina Faso In the rural provinces of Burkina Faso, poverty and distances between home and often under-equipped school are common causes of low enrollment rates and high drop-out.

To tackle these issues, two member organisation of the IDAYBurkina Faso coalition set up a system of bicycle rentals and learning support classes to enhance school access for vulnerable children and youngsters in the provinces of Passoré (Northern region) and Poni (South West region). The bicycles are rented out in priority to students from underprivileged families living more than 5 km away from the school, who are at risk of dropping out despite acknowledged academic aptitude. Learning support classes are also organised for the most vulnerable pupils, notably girls forced by their family to take over more chores thanks to the time gained by going to school with a bicycle. This allows the pupils to achieve better results, thus encouraging their parents to keep them in school.

Since 2006, a total of 94 students from Yako, in the Passoré province, have benefitted from the initiative and 512 others attended the learning support classes. In the Poni province, some 116 students living in the surroundings of the county town of Gaoua have been able to pursue their education and improve their academic performances through this approach since 2013. 25 of them benefitted from a bicycle under this scheme.

It has been observed that the admission rates of these pupils to the next level of education is very high (82% on average in the school year 2014-2015). The success rate of the children benefitting from the project at the BEPC and BAC exams, respectively 78% and 79%, are quite telling when compared to the national scores (respectively 57,6% and 37 %).

In order to make this scheme financially viable and to allow a greater number of children to benefit from it, the Association Le Paysannat (ASSO-PA) and the Association des Enfants et Jeunes Travailleurs de Gaoua (AEJT / Gaoua) undertook to launch cattle fattening activities. The revenues generated by the sale of the fattened cattle will directly support the maintenance and purchase of additional bicycles, and serve to pay the teachers providing the learning support classes.

These two projects have until now received financial support from the Message de Yaguine et Fodé Fund, the Commune of Lasne and Commune of Braine-l’Alleud. Additional investment is required to develop sufficient revenue–generating activities to ensure the projects’ self- sufficiency in the future.

Moreover , IDAY-Burkina Faso aims at making the government more aware of this approach that contributes to reducing school drop-out and improving learning performance. Its objective is that it to see it scaled up a national level.

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