World Children’s Day: for children everywhere
Today, we reflect on the rights of every child. These rights are set out in 54 articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which include the right to education, healthcare, and a safe place to live and play.
Unfortunately, these rights are still not guaranteed everywhere. But children like Rakhi (17) from India and Lindsey (13) and Maroush (13) from Kenya are able to go to school and speak up about what matters to them. Because every child deserves the chance to learn, to grow, and to enjoy a childhood free from exploitation.
Rakhi (17) from India
“Thanks to support, I can go back to school”
“Two years ago, I had to drop out of school because my parents couldn’t afford my education. For a while, I helped them with their work in the mica mines, but I really wanted to keep learning.
Thanks to the support of Terre des Hommes, I received a bicycle and school supplies, which allowed me to return to school. My parents received financial assistance to buy these little goats, which now provide extra income for our family.
I love cycling to school and learning together with my friends. I also enjoy playing with the baby goats. They’re so cute and always cheer me up.”
Lindsey (13), Nairobi Kenia:
“At the children’s club, I learned about online safety”
“My name is Lindsey. I’m 13 years old and I live in Kibera, a neighborhood in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. I live with my parents and my three younger siblings. Dancing is my biggest hobby, and at school I love math.”
At our school, the Safety for Children and their Rights OnLine (SCROL) program by Terre des Hommes was introduced. Three times a week, the children’s club organized activities after school. I decided to join because I wanted to learn how to stay safe online. Sometimes I’m allowed to use my mother’s phone to watch videos, often on TikTok or Instagram. Now I know how important it is not to share personal information and never to accept friend requests from strangers.
During special theatre lessons, we saw what can happen when you do. Strangers might ask you for photos or even threaten you. I asked my teacher if I could talk to the class about what I had learned, so my friends would also understand how important this is.
Later, I want to become a lawyer, to protect children and their rights.
Maroush (13), Kenia:
“I can help other children now”
Thirteen-year-old Maroush lives in Kenia. He’s a role model in his community. As the chairperson of the Child Rights Club, he helps other children stay safe online. Through this role, he’s become much more confident and even had the opportunity to share his experiences with children from across Africa.
At school, Maroush first learned about online safety through the SCROL program (Safety for Children and their Rights OnLine) by Terre des Hommes and Childline Kenya. He joined the Child Rights Club, where he learned about children’s rights, online risks, and how to seek help through the 116 child helpline.
With his new knowledge, he now helps other children understand their rights. During school breaks and in his madrassa classes, he talks with his peers about online safety. He also organizes gatherings for children in his neighborhood during school holidays.
His dedication didn’t go unnoticed: Maroush was elected chairperson of the Child Rights Club and selected to join the Child Participation Network of Terre des Hommes. As Kenya’s representative, he attended the African Children’s Summit in South Africa.
