Children’s voices – the 80 million truths about the Children in Pink Africa
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CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
Children’s Voices 2013 “But think of the children in Africa” adults in the North and in the West used to say when a child didn’t want to finish a meal. The way people outside of Africa think and talk about children in Africa is too often based on stereotypes and an idea of Africa as one country with one homogeneous group of (starving) children. Malnutrition among children is still a severe problem in many African countries but it does not help anyone to talk about a whole continent, and half its population, only when one wants to tell kids that they should feel guilty about not liking their potatoes and vegetables. There is an urgent need to counter prejudices, abandon simplified discourses about “children in Africa” and increase the understanding of the complex situation. This is crucial in order to feel true empathy and make a real commitment to global development.
2
up in Africa. They have more answers than we have questions and every one of them is just as unique as you and me. However, all the children in Africa have two things in common: they are not allowed to vote and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child protects them. In this report we present the results of the “Children’s voices” survey. It is built around the idea that adults have an obligation to search for ways to learn what children think and that we need to understand the gaps between children’s rights and reality so that we can act.
Aim and purpose The aim of this survey is to increase Reach for Change’s knowledge of children’s situation in the countries in which Reach for Change operates. The questions are built around the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.
Method
Half a billion children live in Africa. That means that there are half a billion ways to experience childhood, to dream of the future and to worry about the things that just don’t work well enough in our world to day. 80 million children live in Chad, DRC, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania and Senegal, where Reach for Change operates. As a start we asked 5,000 about their lives. This report is based on their voices.
Reach for Change conducted this survey with the support of both global and local partners. Lumen Behavior is the global research and analysis partner. In each country local partners, with great networks of schools or other operations where children gather, distributed the survey. They where instructed to make sure that children where well informed by the purpose and that participation is voluntary and anonymously.
The respondents of this report come from five countries, in different parts of Africa. They live in rural areas, in cities, on the street and in nice houses. They have different backgrounds and individual truths about what it is like to grow
In Chad three partners were involved, in different parts of the country – Change Leader Jean Toningar and his organization Assadec in Sarh, an association of teachers in Ndjaména and a primary school in Abéché.
In Rwanda and Tanzania the distribution was management by Millward Brown Limited, a brand research firm specialized on Africa.
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
In DRC the survey was distributed via Change Leaders Naomi and Yvette Kuseyo in Kinshasa, Noëlla Thindwa in Matadi and Sijis Dienga Dikete. A number schools and churches participated as well as other members of the Kinshasa and Matadi communities. For example Complexe Scholaire Bolingo and the Bethesda church.
“Children and their future should be at the heart of their decisions” Girl, 13, Chad
In Senegal Reach for Change partnered with Cabinet MSI, who led the distribution and facilitation of the survey across the three regions of Dakar, Saint Louis and Louga. A team of four collected a total of 992 completed surveys in a mixture of both urban and rural communities.
The children surveyed Children between 12 and 17 years old were asked to participate in the survey. A few are age 11 or younger, and a few young people are age 18. There are slightly more respondents in the age group 16 and 17 years. There is an equal number girls and boys that answered the survey. There are no significant differences between girls and boys. This means that this survey does not capture any gender related differences. There are some differences between how the children in the different countries answer but this study is not designed to compare the situation in the countries. Therefor one should not draw to substantive conclusions from the national differences described in this report.
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CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
Results The results of the survey are presented thematically. The quotes are captured from the free text answers of the survey. For full frequencies on all questions see appendix 1. There are also country specific frequencies available in appendix 2-6.
Future and inspiration Most children, 91 %, think that their future will be pretty or very good, but only 79 % feel that they can influence their future somewhat or very much. To have a good job and earn a lot of money is high on the children’s list of dreams for the future.
What do you want to do in the future? 59 % Have a job I like 48 % Become rich 47 % Get a useful education 44 % Start my own company 40 % Love and be loved 34 % Contribute to my community 28 % Become famous 28 % Travel
Who do you look up to the most? 59 % Mum 19 % Dad 4 % A teacher 3 % A football player 2 % A brother or sister 2 % A friend 2 % An actor 2 % A pop star 1 % A child/youth I have met
4
“I want to have a scholarship to go abroad and study abroad” Girl, 12, Senegal
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
Health The cost of health care affects children in the surveyed countries. In Chad 15 % state that they don’t have access to health care and in Senegal 5 % and Tanzania 3 %.
Do you have access to health care when you need it? 28 % Easy access 20 % Have access but it is difficult 33 % Have access but it is expensive 11 % Have no access
“Help HIV-AIDS sufferers” Girl, 14, Rwanda “Take good decisions in order to contribute to child survival” Girl, 18, Chad
“The conditions of sick children should improve” Boy, 17, DRC
School “I as a child of the street I would ask the government to look at children living in difficult circumstances receive basic needs as others. Children who are vulnerable should also receive a better education, because education is a priority in life. I would like the government should consider these factors” Boy, 13, Tanzania When the children analyze the situation in their countries the issues related to education ends up on top of the list.
What do you think is the most pressing issues for children? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Children don’t get an education Children live in poverty Children get abused Children get discriminated Children get sick and hurt Children don’t get to voice their opinion Children don’t have a good family environment Children don’t get important information Children don’t get the skills they need to provide for themselves when they grow up 10. The natural environment is polluted and bad for children 11. Children don’t get to play
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CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
Only five percent of the surveyed children don’t go to school. The children surveyed like school but the results also point out a number of obstacles for a good school performance. 92 % state that school is important 78 % think that their teachers are good. The pupils also appreciate the social network at school. 71 % have fun at school 68 % have a lot of friends at school We let the children chose one activity for a day and a large part chose “go to school” before play. If you could choose to do anything you wanted for one day, what would it be? 43 % Go to school 13 % Play/hang out with friends 12 % Work 7 % Play soccer/football 5 % Experience nature 4 % Computer games 4 % Housework 3 % Other sports 3 % Watch movies 3 % Listen to music Worth noting is also that a large share of the children, 67 %, also come with ideas to their teachers and 64 % think that teachers listen to their ideas. Simultaneously many children express that they worry about their school-results. 65 % are afraid to fail in school. They point out how they lack material and support from home. 54 % don´t afford the things they need for school 44 % lack good school materials 44 % don’t get help with homework There are some differences between the countries, in Senegal 53 % state that they can’t afford the things they need for school compered with 33 % in DRC and 22 % in Tanzania.
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CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
The surveyed children want to preform well and they find it fun and inspiring to go to school. On the other hand to many are not given the best possible chance to success. “I would just like that you speak of the right which says primary school is free. Because the respect of this right will lead to closing of many badly maintained schools (or simply bad ones). Thanks” Boy, 13, DRC “We need good school supplies. We need computers in schools.” Boy, 17, DRC “I want to tell the authorities to rebuild our schools so that they are decent (CEM et lycee de Sangalkram) and have them help parents around nutrition problems so that this helps children live normally. And to reduce school fees and to create enterprises in Senegal to reduce unemployment. And finally to reduce import of products from outside we don’t want to depend on the outside for food or other things. Thank you for realizing all my wishes” Girl, 16, Senegal
“I want to say to the president to participate in the education of girls” Girl, 12, Senegal
“We want to change the conditions of our study and life in Chad” Girl, 17, Chad “I want to ask for help for our school because many things are missing which we need but most of all classrooms and environmental development” Girl, 16, Senegal “We want to change the conditions of our study and life in Chad” Girl, 17, Chad “I want to ask for help for our school because many things are missing which we need but most of all classrooms and environmental development” Girl, 16, Senegal
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CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
Corporates and work experiences A large share of the children work, but not full time and not always for a company. 39 % work extra or work during the summer and 7 % work/do chores that they get paid for at home. 5 % work and don´t go to school. The children who work do it because they or their family needs money, 62 %, or to by things that they want, 72 %. Another strong motivation to work is because it is fun and they learn a lot. The children also point out that they learn things at work that will benefit them in the future, 75 %. The children also list a number of negative aspects of working and describe some serious work environment problems: 23 % Because of my job, I don’t have time for school 41 % My job is heavy and makes me tired 23 % Other people at work are mean to me 40 % There is great risk of getting injuredat my work 38 % My job is stressfull Children are interested and have opinions on corporate life. This is emphasized in the free text answers. 69 % thinks that companies can contribute to a better world. The Children in DRC had higher confidence in companies, 74 % thinks that they can contribute to a better world, compered to 53 % in Tanzania. “Avoid nepotism at work” Girl 17, Rwanda “Create businesses in all areas of Chad to hire young” Girl, 15, Chad “Increase civil service salaries” Boy, 14, Chad
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“Give us grants to improve our small businesses” Boy, 17, Chad
Most children, 78 %, are comfortable at home. But 23 % state that they can’t sleep well in their home and 18 % can’t talk to their parents and siblings. Safety and to spend time with the family are the most important thing to live a good life according to the respondents.
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
Home
Important for good life 81 % Have a place where I feel safe 80 % Spend time with the family 80 % Have food 71 % Play and relax 70 % Have friends 60 % Have cool toys/gadgets
“Instead to taking children to Iwawa (approved schools for undisciplined children) they should take them to schools and watch/track them there” Boy 16, Rwanda
Safety “We were in school but we did not have any support, that is why we became what we are now. People call us “Children of the Street”. We do not want to hear that. When does the street have a child? It seems that the state is proud to see us being abused, and all the time the police bother us.” Girl, 14, Chad Many children, 27 %, have felt afraid of an adult the past year. The numbers differs between the countries, 21 % in DRC and 55 % Chad. Over all, 19 % have felt afraid of another child or youth. Other things that children worry about are: 51 % That you don’t have enough money for what you and your family needs 39 % That there will be war 39 % That someone will destroy your things 39 % That others will be mean to you because of who you are in love with 35 % That an adult will hit you 35 % That you/your family will be forced to move out of your home 31 % That someone will read your texts /messages on the internet/diary 30 % That you will be sexually harassed 27 % That others will think you are ugly 25 % That other children/youth will hit you 9
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
The children where asked about discrimination phrased as “have you been treated unfair because of…”. The most common ground of unfair treatment is the children’s financial situation. I have been treated unfair because of: 22 % My financial situation 21 % My age 19 % Where I live 18 % How I dress 17 % My religion 17 % What I look like 15 % Who my parents are 15 % What language I speak 14 % My gender 14 % My ethnicity 12 % A handicap/Being differently abled
“Fight against poverty” Boy, 14, Chad
A large part, 22 %, of the surveyed children report that they have been bullied by other children/ youth. But peer relations are also valued and 36 % state that another child youth have helped them when they have had a problem. “The Congolese state should help youth find jobs after their studies. The state should end the war in Eastern DRC. The state should take its responsibility on the kuluna phenomenon (gangsters)” Boy, 18, DRC “Fight against rural depopulation, desertification and against ethnic discrimination” Girl, 18, Chad “Many children are abused. Rural regions are no exception with great violence against children with disabilities, who have particularly of the skin, eyes, legs and so on. So ask the village and work to prevent such discrimination.” Girl 13, Tanzania
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“Fight rape!” Girl, 16, Rwanda
Children are highly affected of natural disasters and there is a large part of the surveyed children that worry about being exposed to one. They are also concerned about how the nature will be affected in the future. 44 % I am worried that a natural disaster will happen near me 47 % I am worried that the nature around I won’t be as healthy in the future “I want to ask the governor to put garbage disposals in the city. Avoid tree cutting. Preserve nature. To build hospitals and schools” Girl, 16, DRC
“Help the government fight against erosions, construction of roads, construction of sewers”
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
Nature
Girl, 17, DRC
“Help the government fight against erosions, construction of roads, construction of sewers” Girl, 17, DRC
Participation “Accelerating the dialogue between parents and children, and between students and teachers” Boy, 16, Chad One of the fundaments in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is that children have the right to get and share information in a way they can understand and with easy access. Children also have the right to form and express their own opinions. Children have the right to participate and have adults listen to their opinions when making decisions that affect children.
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CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
There is a gap between how much the children are allowed to participate in decision-making around all the subjects we asked about.
80
70
60
50
40 Want Can
30
20
10
0 a. What you learn in school
b. What the school environment looks like
c. How things e. What you do h. How money d. Which friends g. Who is work and look in your free is used in your you can hang elected to make at home time community out with decisions
“Personally I’d like society to support poor children, NGO:s, abandoned kids and orphans, to reeducate them” Boy, 13, DRC “In the future I’d like for this survey to be in the form of a book. I like Children’s Voices and Reach for Change as it improved our intellectual and moral capacities” Boy, 13, DRC “Something that I’d like from governments and companies is that children are given opportunities to be involved in the family to the community in matters that concern them and society as a whole” Girl, 13, Tanzania
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f. What it looks like your neighborhood
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
Internet and Telecommunication The children were asked about if and how they use the internet and mobile phones. The results show that our sample have assess to the internet in a much larger extent than the overall population. In our sample 47 % have assess to the internet and according to Human Development Report 2013 only 1-16 % of the population in the current countries have assess to internet. The children have mostly positive experiences from using the internet. They have found important information, expressed opinions and shared things they have created. There are also negative experiences reported, other children have written mean things and a number of children been exposed to adults crossing the lines.
“Invest in ICT amongst children”
Boy, 15, Rwanda
Have any of the following happened when you used the Internet? 38 % I have found information that was important to me 25 % I have expressed an opinion 21 % I have gotten support when something felt difficult 17 % I have been able to share something I have created, for example music or a poem 14 % An adult I don’t know has contacted I and wanted to meet me/start a relationship with me 10 % Someone my age has written something I felt was offensive/mean
In the surveyed group 63 % have a mobile phone. They use it mainly to call and text but there are also a large share that use it to send or receive money and other more recently offered services.
What do you use the mobile phone for? 59 % Call 44 % Listen to music 37 % Play games 36 % Text 32 % Internet 26 % Facebook/social media 25 % Take photos 21 % Send or receive money 11 % Buy things
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CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
Reflections for Future Studies The results of this survey will be of great value to Reach for Change and the future operations in Africa, and will be used on a number of levels in the organization in order to make smarter, more informed decisions. However, this survey does not capture the gendered aspects of growing up. For future studies it would be valuable to integrate a clear gender perspective. By conducting surveys regularly Reach for Change will have an unique possibility to analyze changes that happens over time and keep up to date with the most pressing issues for children. The fact that Reach for Change have strong network and access to deep knowledge about the context will strengthen those analyzes. To develop the survey in a relevant way children should be involved in the research process and it is of importance that lessons learned from this survey are used to further develop the knowledge about the lives of children in Africa.
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Children’s voices 2013 [Chad, DRC, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania]
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
HOW OLD ARE YOU? Frequency
Percent
171
3%
12
533
10%
13
636
12%
14
701
13%
15
818
15%
16
961
18%
17
887
16%
18 years or older
560
10%
11 or younger
Data Missing (D.M)
106
2%
5373
100%
Frequency
Percent
Girl
2611
49%
Boy
2591
48%
I chose this box instead
56
1%
D.M
116
2%
5374
100%
Total
GENDER
Total
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS FOR CHILDREN IN YOUR COUNTRY? 1
Children don’t get an education
2
Children live in poverty
3
Children get abused
4 5
Children get discriminated Children get sick and hurt
6
Children don’t get to voice their opinion
7
Children don’t have a good family environment
8
Children don’t get important information Children don’t get the skills they need to provide for themselves when they grow up The natural environment is polluted and bad for children Children don’t get to play
9 10 11
16
Frequency
Percent
Mum
3175
59%
Dad
1012
19%
A brother or sister
113
2%
A teacher
226
4%
A friend
106
2%
A child/youth you have met
34
1%
A football player
153
3%
An actor
111
2%
A pop star
92
2%
Someone else.
192
4%
D.M
161
3%
Total
5375
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO THE MOST?
100%
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR FUTURE WILL BE LIKE? Frequency
Percent
Very bad
80
1%
Pretty bad
167
3%
Pretty good
1233
23%
Very good
3827
71%
D.M
74
1%
DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU CAN INFLUENCE YOUR FUTURE? Frequency
Percent
Very little
261
5%
A little
561
10%
Somewhat
1155
21%
Very much
3098
58%
DM
299
Total
5374
6% 100%
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO IN THE FUTURE? Frequency
Percent
Have a job you like
3167
59%
Contribute to my community
1843
34%
Get a useful education
2512
47%
Start your own company
2373
44%
Become rich
2565
48%
Become famous
1528
28%
Love and be loved
2150
40%
Travel
1483
28%
646
12%
Something else
17
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
DO YOU HAVE A PLACE TO TURN TO IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR HEALTH? Frequency
Percent
1517
28%
Have access but it is difficult
1085
20%
Have access but it is expensive
1796
33%
574
11%
Easy access
Have no access D.M Total
402
7%
5374
100%
RATE HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL: SCHOOL IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
232
4%
Don’t agree much
157
3%
Mostly agree
461
9%
4130
77%
394
7%
5374
100%
Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
683
13%
Don’t agree much
1414
26%
Mostly agree
1368
25%
Completely agree
1355
25%
552
10%
5372
100%
Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
304
6%
Don’t agree much
777
14%
Mostly agree
1337
25%
Completely agree
2410
45%
545
10%
5373
100%
Completely agree D.M Total
THE CLASSROOMS ARE NICE
D.M Total
YOU HAVE GOOD TEACHERS
D.M Total 18
Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
403
7%
Don’t agree much
1001
19%
Mostly agree
1224
23%
Completely agree
2127
40%
618
11%
5373
100%
D.M Total
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
YOU HAVE FUN AT SCHOOL
YOU ARE AFRAID TO FAIL IN SCHOOL Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
1109
21%
Don’t agree much
538
10%
Mostly agree
649
12%
2467
46%
Completely agree D.M Total
611
11%
5374
100%
YOU DON’T LIKE GOING TO SCHOOL Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
3152
59%
Don’t agree much
590
11%
Mostly agree
349
6%
Completely agree
624
12%
D.M
658
12%
5373
100%
Total
YOU HAVE ACCESS TO GOOD SCHOOL MATERIALS Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
910
17%
Don’t agree much
1202
22%
Mostly agree
1065
20%
Completely agree
1597
30%
599
11%
5373
100%
D.M Total
YOU CAN AFFORD THE THINGS YOU NEED FOR SCHOOL Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
1278
24%
Don’t agree much
1270
24%
981
18%
Completely agree
1205
22%
D.M
640
12%
5374
100%
Mostly agree
Total
19
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
YOU GET HELP WITH YOUR HOMEWORK Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
1216
23%
Don’t agree much
878
16%
Mostly agree
1051
20%
Completely agree
1571
29%
D.M
657
12%
5373
100%
Total
YOU HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS IN SCHOOL Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
540
10%
Don’t agree much
1006
19%
Mostly agree
1225
23%
Completely agree
1982
37%
621
12%
5374
100%
D.M Total
YOU COME WITH IDEAS TO YOUR TEACHERS Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
567
11%
Don’t agree much
977
18%
Mostly agree
1420
26%
Completely agree
1726
32%
D.M Total
681
13%
5371
100%
YOUR TEACHERS LISTEN TO YOUR IDEAS: Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
681
13%
Don’t agree much
992
18%
Mostly agree
1190
22%
Completely agree
1829
34%
682
13%
5374
100%
D.M Total
20
Frequency
Percent
2083
39%
You don’t work at all
1721
32%
You work and don’t go to school
241
4%
350
7%
You work extra/work during the summer
You do chores that you get paid for at home D.M Total
979
18%
5374
100%
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
WHICH OF THESE STATEMENTS ABOUT WORK BEST DESCRIBES YOU?
IF YOU HAVE A JOB, RATE HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT YOUR JOB: YOU WORK BECAUSE YOU/YOUR FAMILY NEEDS THE MONEY Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
677
13%
Don’t agree much
359
7%
Mostly agree
460
9%
Completely agree
1222
23%
D.M
2656
49%
Total
5374
100%
YOU WORK BECAUSE IT IS FUN OR BECAUSE YOU LEARN A LOT Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
717
13%
Don’t agree much
624
12%
Mostly agree
514
10%
Completely agree
703
13%
D.M
2815
52%
Total
5373
100%
21
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
YOU WORK SO THAT YOU CAN BUY THINGS THAT YOU WANT Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
341
6%
Don’t agree much
399
7%
Mostly agree
616
11%
1237
23%
D.M
2780
52%
Total
5373
100%
Completely agree
BECAUSE OF YOUR JOB, YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THE LEISURE ACTIVITIES YOU WANT TO DO Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
864
16%
Don’t agree much
774
14%
Mostly agree
463
9%
Completely agree
431
8%
D.M
2839
53%
Total
5371
100%
BECAUSE OF YOUR JOB, YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR SCHOOL Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
1357
25%
Don’t agree much
587
11%
Mostly agree
266
5%
Completely agree
308
6%
D.M
2856
53%
Total
5374
100%
YOUR JOB IS HEAVY AND MAKES YOU TIRED
22
Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
792
15%
Don’t agree much
677
13%
Mostly agree
472
9%
Completely agree
557
10%
D.M
2876
53%
Total
5374
100%
Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
1260
23%
Don’t agree much
649
12%
Mostly agree
312
6%
Completely agree
242
5%
D.M
2910
54%
Total
5373
100%
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
OTHER PEOPLE AT YOUR WORK ARE MEAN TO YOU
THERE IS GREAT RISK OF GETTING INJURED AT YOUR WORK Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
870
16%
Don’t agree much
621
12%
409
8%
571
11%
D.M
2898
54%
Total
5369
100%
Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
860
16%
Don’t agree much
652
12%
Mostly agree
450
8%
Completely agree
462
9%
D.M
2952
55%
Total
5376
100%
Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
551
10%
Don’t agree much
475
9%
Mostly agree
547
10%
Completely agree
924
17%
D.M
2878
54%
Total
5375
100%
Mostly agree Completely agree
YOUR JOB IS STRESSFUL
YOUR JOB IS FUN
23
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
YOU LEARN THINGS AT WORK THAT WILL BENEFIT YOU IN THE FUTURE Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
374
7%
Don’t agree much
267
5%
Mostly agree
468
9%
Completely agree
1481
28%
D.M
2785
52%
Total
5375
100%
DO YOU THINK THAT COMPANIES CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A BETTER WORLD? Frequency
Percent
Yes, very much
2519
47%
Yes, somewhat
1211
23%
Maybe, not really
912
17%
Not at all
432
8%
D.M Total
299
6%
5373
100%
RATE HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT YOUR HOME: YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AT HOME Frequency
Percent
511
10%
Don’t agree much
605
11%
Mostly agree
899
17%
Completely agree
3185
59%
174
3%
5374
100%
Don’t agree at all
D.M Total
YOU CAN BE ALONE WHEN YOU WANT TO Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
1122
21%
Don’t agree much
1116
21%
Mostly agree
1230
23%
Completely agree
1576
29%
328
6%
5372
100%
D.M Total 24
Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
272
5%
Don’t agree much
472
9%
Mostly agree
997
19%
3385
63%
248
5%
5374
100%
Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
384
7%
Don’t agree much
607
11%
Mostly agree
983
18%
Completely agree
3155
59%
D.M
244
5%
5373
100%
Completely agree D.M Total
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR PARENTS OR SIBLINGS
YOU CAN SLEEP WELL
Total
YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE FOOD YOU EAT Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
415
8%
Don’t agree much
701
13%
Mostly agree
1111
21%
2880
54%
264
5%
5371
100%
Completely agree D.M Total
YOU COME WITH IDEAS TO YOUR PARENTS Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
386
7%
Don’t agree much
847
16%
Mostly agree
1331
25%
2503
47%
307
6%
5374
100%
Completely agree D.M Total
25
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
YOUR PARENTS LISTEN TO YOUR IDEAS Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
442
8%
Don’t agree much
969
18%
Mostly agree
1138
21%
2542
47%
284
5%
5375
100%
Completely agree D.M Total
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE FOLLOWING FOR YOU TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE: SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY Frequency
Percent
Not important at all
234
4%
Not that important
703
13%
Important
567
11%
3704
69%
166
3%
5374
100%
Frequency
Percent
Not important at all
654
12%
Not that important
1104
21%
Important
1502
28%
Very important
1733
32%
382
7%
5375
100%
Frequency
Percent
281
5%
1006
19%
1131
21%
2647
49%
310
6%
5375
100%
Very important D.M Total
HAVE COOL TOYS/GADGETS
D.M Total
HAVE FRIENDS Not important at all Not that important Important Very important D.M Total
26
Frequency
Percent
Not important at all
189
4%
Not that important
554
10%
Important
612
11%
3737
70%
282
5%
5374
100%
Frequency
Percent
Not important at all
137
3%
Not that important
630
12%
Important
656
12%
3656
68%
296
6%
5375
100%
Very important D.M Total
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
HAVE A PLACE WHERE YOU FEEL SAFE
HAVE FOOD
Very important D.M Total
PLAY AND RELAX Frequency
Percent
Not important at all
297
6%
Not that important
978
18%
Important
1007
19%
Very important
2783
52%
309
6%
5374
100%
D.M Total
THINK ABOUT THE PAST YEAR. HAVE YOU BEEN TREATED UNFAIRLY BECAUSE OF… Frequency
Percent
Your gender
752
14%
Your ethnicity
771
14%
Your religion
931
17%
Your age
1130
21%
Where you live
1022
19%
Your financial situation
1181
22%
Who your parents are
781
15%
What language you speak
781
15%
How you dress
950
18%
A handicap / You are differently abled
622
12%
What you look like
917
17%
27
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
THINK ABOUT THE PAST YEAR. HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED? Frequency
Percent
1181
22%
An adult has bullied you
1357
25%
You have felt afraid of another child/youth
1021
19%
You have felt afraid of an adult
1458
27%
Another child/youth has helped you when you have had problems
1922
36%
2945
55%
Another child/ youth has bullied you
An adult has helped you when you have had problems
RATE HOW MUCH YOU WORRY ABOUT THE FOLLOWING: THAT YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY NEEDS Frequency
Percent
Not at all
1107
21%
A little
1127
21%
Somewhat
840
16%
A lot
1921
36%
D.M
374
7%
5376
100%
Frequency
Percent
Not at all
1914
36%
A little
1144
21%
Somewhat
826
15%
A lot
1035
19%
D.M
456
8%
5375
100%
Total
THAT AN ADULT WILL HIT YOU
Total
28
Frequency
Percent
2567
48%
A little
993
18%
Somewhat
676
13%
A lot
660
12%
D.M
479
9%
5375
100%
Not at all
Total
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
THAT OTHER CHILDREN/YOUTH WILL HIT YOU
THAT YOU WILL BE SEXUALLY HARASSED Frequency
Percent
2409
45%
A little
816
15%
Somewhat
513
10%
A lot
1110
21%
Not at all
D.M
527
10%
5375
100%
Frequency
Percent
1973
37%
A little
841
16%
Somewhat
574
11%
A lot
1540
29%
D.M
445
8%
5373
100%
Total
THAT THERE WILL BE WAR Not at all
Total
THAT YOU/YOUR FAMILY WILL BE FORCED TO MOVE OUT OF YOUR HOME Frequency
Percent
2053
38%
A little
958
18%
Somewhat
628
12%
A lot
1277
24%
Not at all
D.M Total
458
9%
5374
100%
THAT SOMEONE WILL READ YOUR TEXTS/MESSAGES ON THE INTERNET/DIARY Frequency
Percent
Not at all
2145
40%
A little
1109
21%
Somewhat
790
15%
A lot
868
16%
D.M
463
9%
5375
100%
Total
29
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
THAT SOMEONE WILL DESTROY YOUR THINGS Frequency
Percent
Not at all
1720
32%
A little
1075
20%
818
15%
A lot
1252
23%
D.M
507
9%
5372
100%
Somewhat
Total
THAT OTHERS WILL BE MEAN TO YOU BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH Frequency
Percent
Not at all
1723
32%
A little
1078
20%
873
16%
1236
23%
Somewhat A lot D.M Total
464
9%
5374
100%
THAT OTHERS WILL THINK YOU ARE UGLY Frequency
Percent
Not at all
2331
43%
A little
1078
20%
Somewhat
710
13%
A lot
762
14%
D.M
492
9%
5373
100%
Total
THAT SOMEONE WILL HURT YOUR SIBLING / PARENT / FRIEND / PET Frequency
Percent
Not at all
1461
27%
A little
926
17%
751
14%
A lot
1785
33%
D.M
452
8%
5375
100%
Somewhat
Total
30
Frequency
Percent
707
13%
2283
42%
Play soccer/football
390
7%
Other sports
150
3%
Housework
196
4%
Work
649
12%
Computer games
224
4%
Watch movies
144
3%
Experience nature
279
5%
Listen to music
138
3%
D.M
215
4%
5375
100%
Play/hang out with friends Go to school
Total
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO DO ANYTHING YOU WANTED FOR ONE DAY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
RATE HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT NATURE: YOU ARE WORRIED THAT A NATURAL DISASTER WILL HAPPEN NEAR YOU Frequency
Percent
1788
33%
Don’t agree
875
16%
Mostly agree
830
15%
1506
28%
374
7%
5373
100%
Don’t agree at all
Completely agree D.M Total
YOU ARE WORRIED THAT THE NATURE AROUND YOU WON’T BE AS HEALTHY IN THE FUTURE Frequency
Percent
1317
24%
Don’t agree
1008
19%
Mostly agree
1197
22%
Completely agree
1353
25%
D.M
499
9%
5374
100%
Don’t agree at all
Total
31
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
YOU CAN SPEND TIME IN NATURE Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
821
15%
Don’t agree
873
16%
Mostly agree
1403
26%
Completely agree
1803
34%
474
9%
5374
100%
D.M Total
YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT NATURE AND ANIMALS Frequency
Percent
Don’t agree at all
821
15%
Don’t agree
873
16%
Mostly agree
1403
26%
Completely agree
1803
34%
474
9%
5374
100%
D.M Total
HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF DECIDING THE FOLLOWING: WHAT YOU LEARN IN SCHOOL Frequency
Percent
Not at all
446
8%
A little
726
14%
Somewhat
734
14%
A lot
3065
57%
D.M
404
8%
5375
100%
Total
WHAT THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT LOOKS LIKE Frequency
Percent
510
9%
A little
1082
20%
Somewhat
1363
25%
A lot
1846
34%
571
11%
5372
100%
Not at all
D.M Total
32
Frequency
Percent
Not at all
471
9%
A little
1117
21%
1348
25%
A lot
1815
34%
D.M
624
12%
5375
100%
Somewhat
Total
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
HOW THINGS WORK AND LOOK AT HOME
WHICH FRIENDS YOU CAN HANG OUT WITH Frequency
Percent
621
12%
1315
24%
1038
19%
A lot
1791
33%
D.M
608
11%
5373
100%
Not at all A little Somewhat
Total
WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME Frequency
Percent
Not at all
508
9%
A little
1171
22%
Somewhat
1262
23%
A lot
1858
35%
D.M
576
11%
5375
100%
Total
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Frequency
Percent
1087
20%
A little
1159
22%
Somewhat
1107
21%
1408
26%
Not at all
A lot D.M Total
614
11%
5375
100%
33
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
WHO IS ELECTED TO MAKE DECISIONS Frequency
Percent
1007
19%
A little
1185
22%
Somewhat
1143
21%
1409
26%
631
12%
5375
100%
Not at all
A lot D.M Total
HOW MONEY IS USED IN YOUR COMMUNITY Frequency
Percent
Not at all
820
15%
A little
1031
19%
Somewhat
1057
20%
A lot
1932
36%
D.M
535
10%
5375
100%
Total
HOW MUCH ARE YOU ALLOWED TO BE A PART OF DECIDING THE FOLLOWING: WHAT YOU LEARN IN SCHOOL Frequency
Percent
812
15%
A little
764
14%
Somewhat
828
15%
A lot
2472
46%
D.M
496
9%
5372
100%
Not at all
Total
WHAT THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT LOOKS LIKE Frequency
Percent
Not at all
847
16%
A little
1178
22%
Somewhat
1238
23%
A lot
1430
27%
D.M Total
34
680
13%
5373
100%
Frequency
Percent
686
13%
A little
1067
20%
Somewhat
1328
25%
A lot
1543
29%
Not at all
D.M Total
750
14%
5374
100%
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
HOW THINGS WORK AND LOOK AT HOME
WHICH FRIENDS YOU CAN HANG OUT WITH Frequency
Percent
713
13%
1146
21%
Somewhat
1048
19%
A lot
1692
31%
D.M
776
14%
5375
100%
Not at all A little
Total
WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME Frequency
Percent
615
11%
A little
1125
21%
Somewhat
1162
22%
A lot
1743
32%
D.M
729
14%
5374
100%
Not at all
Total
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Frequency
Percent
Not at all
1387
26%
A little
1218
23%
Somewhat
997
19%
A lot
983
18%
D.M Total
789
15%
5374
100%
35
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
WHO IS ELECTED TO MAKE DECISIONS Frequency
Percent
1440
27%
1109
21%
Somewhat
1004
19%
A lot
1059
20%
Not at all A little
D.M Total
762
14%
5374
100%
HOW MONEY IS USED IN COMMUNITY Frequency
Percent
Not at all
1333
25%
A little
999
19%
Somewhat
899
17%
A lot
1457
27%
D.M
686
13%
5374
100%
Total
DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET? Frequency
Percent
Yes
2505
47%
No
2601
48%
D.M
269
5%
5375
100%
Total
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO DO ANYTHING YOU WANTED FOR ONE DAY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
36
Frequency
Percent
Search for information
2322
43%
Play games
1222
23%
Listen to music
1221
23%
Watch videos
872
16%
Do things adults don’t let you do
346
6%
Talk or write to friends
1677
31%
Talk or write to people you don’t know
740
14%
Make new friends
1237
23%
Read news or what is happening around you
1550
29%
Express your opinions
1340
25%
Frequency
Percent
1325
25%
You have been able to share something you have created, for example music or a poem
918
17%
You have gotten support when something felt difficult
1152
21%
2038
38%
Someone your age has written something you felt was offensive/mean
553
10%
An adult you don’t know has contacted you and wanted to meet you or start a relationship with you
750
14%
You have expressed an opinion
You have found information that was important for you
CHILDREN’S VOICES 2013
HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED WHEN YOU HAVE USED THE INTERNET?
DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A MOBILE PHONE? Frequency
Percent
Yes
3368
63%
No
1669
31%
D.M
335
6%
5372
100%
Total
WHAT DO YOU USE THE MOBILE PHONE FOR? Frequency
Percent
Call
3192
59%
Text
1930
36%
Internet
1735
32%
Facebook/socialmedia
1401
26%
Buy things
593
11%
Send or receive money
1135
21%
Play games
2001
37%
Listen to music
2389
44%
Take photos
1366
25%
37
Funded by SIDA Distributed in Chad, DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania and Senegal Project coordination, research and analysis: Lumen Behavior Layout: Pondus Kommunikation