Over 70 children aged 7 to 16 years drawn from Mathare, Nairobi, were treated to a day of fun and games during the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP), 17th October 2021. Each with their talent, found a safe haven in a day-long children’s event organized by our partner, The Cry Of A Young One (TCOAYO).
From face paintings with distinct messages to ‘End Child Poverty’ and ‘Build a Better World For Children’, to dance competitions, comedy and public speaking skills; the children not only showcased their talents, but also meaningfully participated to make the event successful. The climax of this day was two football matches organised for children under 10 years, and the other for under 13. One child participant has this to say at the end of the football matches, “When we come together to play a match, no on loses. We all win because we have come together, had a good time, learnt from each other and maintained peace among ourselves.”
These child-led activities aimed to provide a safe and fun space for children to interact, while also raising awareness on the need to come together to address child poverty. Mr. Michael Kissinger, founder of TCOAYO explained that this approach was adapted by his organisation as useful method in strengthening the spirit of togetherness and promoting peaceful co-existence in the community. “This problem of child poverty can be well addressed if we come together with children through such events, talk to them and allow them talk to us, and express their talents, (through activities) like football”, he emphasized.
The event underscored the need to empower children through education and promoting their talents, in line with the IDEP 2021 theme, Building Forward Together: Ending Persistent Poverty, Respecting all People and our Planet. The children were enlightened about IDEP and its significance towards addressing child poverty, with a view to challenge them to become change agents in their community by taking action to overcome poverty.
“When you are educated and aware, you are empowered towards ending child poverty,” emphasized Ms. Zam Obed, from Child Life Kenya, and a member of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC).
At Arigatou International – End Child Poverty, we believe in empowering children to meaningfully participate in efforts to address poverty affecting them. This is one of our core rallying calls for the ‘Together We Can End Child Poverty Worldwide’ campaign, in which we commemorate IDEP, like through this event in Mathare, Nairobi led by TCOAYO.