Busia: The Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya (FPFK), through the Linda Mtoto Project, has trained Busia-based journalists on children’s rights protection. Speaking after the 2-day training for the journalists on children’s rights protection, Everline Achieng, coordinator of the Linda Mtoto project, said journalists are well positioned to ensure the community is well informed on matters of children’s rights protection.
According to Kenya News Agency, Achieng emphasized the importance of media practitioners in sensitizing the community on children’s rights. She highlighted the journalists’ platforms, such as radio and television, as crucial avenues for reaching a wide audience. Achieng noted the need for journalists to be knowledgeable in handling sensitive cases of children’s rights violations, stressing the importance of collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of children.
Achieng pointed out the increasing violations of children’s rights in Busia County, attributing the rise to poverty and its border location. She expressed concern over the neglect of children due to economic hardships, leading to issues such as child labor. The recent judgment by the Busia County courts, declaring themselves as defenders of children, has brought hope and support in addressing these challenges.
Bishop Richard Emojong of the Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya Teso region acknowledged the difficulties in dealing with children’s issues, expressing hope that collaborative actions will enhance child protection. He emphasized that children’s rights are a collective responsibility, transcending religious and social boundaries, and urged engagement from all community sectors to ensure children’s safety.
Journalists who participated in the training expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained on children’s rights and their role in protection efforts. Patrick Okumu of Emuria FM noted the training’s value in providing a clear roadmap for handling cases of rights violations, enabling journalists to become agents of change in their communities.
Elias Eteba from the Busia border expressed commitment to using media platforms for community engagement on children’s rights, aiming to create a safe environment where all rights are respected. Victoria Magar from Busia Border Radio highlighted the importance of learning to report on children’s rights stories without causing harm, emphasizing the training’s role in equipping journalists with the necessary skills to protect children’s rights effectively.