Growing up in Mukuru, 12-year-old Seth never imagined he had the right to speak up. Life in the community was challenging, and like many children around him, Seth believed only adults were meant to talk about important issues. He attended school every day, but conversations about safety, protection, or children’s rights rarely took place.
That changed when Kenya Good Neighbors introduced the Child Rights Club at Makongeni Primary School. The club created a safe and friendly space where children could learn about their rights, build confidence, and practice speaking out on issues affecting them. With guidance from trained teachers who serve as club patrons, Seth and his classmates began participating in discussions, role plays, and awareness activities focused on child protection, participation, and positive discipline.
At first, Seth was shy and uncertain. “I thought only adults could talk about big things,” he recalled.
But as he learned more and gained confidence, Seth began to find his voice. The turning point came during the Day of the African Child celebrations in Nairobi County in 2025. For the first time in his life, Seth stood before a large audience of students, teachers, and community leaders to share what safety at school means for children.
I talked about why children should feel safe at school. People listened to me. It felt good to be heard.
Seth shares this experience with more than 300 children who are now part of Child Rights Clubs in ten partner schools across Mukuru, Dandora, and Korogocho. Before the initiative, many of these children did not know how to express their concerns or seek help when their rights were violated. Today, they can identify risks, speak confidently, and advocate for themselves and their peers.
Teachers have seen major changes as well. “The clubs have changed how children express themselves,” said Teacher Neema, one of the trained patrons. “They are no longer afraid to speak when something is wrong, and they understand that their voices matter.”
Through the creation of child-friendly spaces for learning and advocacy, the Child Rights Club initiative shows that when children are empowered with knowledge, encouragement, and support, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Based on the results of the intervention, it strengthens protection systems, builds accountability, and inspires safer and more aware communities.
Help more children like Seth learn their rights and raise their voices.
Support Good Neighbors’ child protection and education programs today:
www.goodneighbors.org/donate
Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development organization founded in 1991, working in over 50 countries to make the world a place without hunger and where people live in harmony. Engaging with over 200 communities globally, we empower people and transform communities through social and economic development initiatives. Good Neighbors has General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 1996.
For further information, please contact Good Neighbors Global Partnership Center.
To make your donation process easier,
We’ll guide you to the Good Neighbors donation site for your region.
