• Date: 04 November 2008
• Venue: Eshowe Methodist Church – Hall
• Time: 09h00 – 14h00

Project Background
ICFWS is a non governmental organization, which was established in 1995 and is based in the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal – Eshowe. We work with children from rural areas of Eshowe through 5 projects that develop and address the needs of the children.

The Child Advocacy Project: aims to protect the safety, well being and development of our children through a holistic inter-sect oral approach and we have identified the following Objectives and our area of focus for the next 3 years:-

1. Advocacy for children’s rights to strengthen community participation
2. To ensure that the Orphans and Vulnerable Children have access to services that are Provided by the government as it is their rights to have these services
3. To draw attention to children’s rights delivery gaps
4. To empower children to be able to voice their opinions.

As per objective 4, in 2007/2008 we have managed to work with 04 Primary Schools from rural areas reaching 382 grade 7 learners and as we end the year we plan to bring together these learners to openly debate about children’s rights & responsibilities. In October 2007 a debate competition was held with great success but we have resolved that in 2008 Children should openly debate without competing for a Trophy. A collective decision was taken to have a Children’s Imbizo.

Children’s Imbizo
The aim of the event is to bring together children from 4 rural primary schools to openly debate about the Rights & Responsibilities of the children and how they relates to their life in the family, community and school.

Imbizo will focus on the children’s rights issues in general. Four learners will each give a ten minute presentation on a specific topic [see below].

As a Child I have a right to:-

• Be proud of who I am
• Care & Safety
• Participation
• Play

Commissions
The delegates will have an opportunity to attend a commission; each commission will further debate about children’s rights mainly focusing on the presentations that were conducted during the first session. This will enable the children to be able to debate in a small group, ensuring that each child is given a chance to voice their opinion. An adult will be requested to facilitate the commission; the children amongst themselves will select a scriber & reporteur.


Resolutions Committee
Each school will select one child to represent them on this committee. During the proceedings of the Imbizo, the committee will identify burning issues from discussions and recommend way forward. Esther Jiyane our Advocacy Officer will facilitate this committee.


Delegates

• Nkume Primary School - 30
• Jazi Primary School - 30
• Mfihlo Primary School - 30
• Mehlokadeli Primary School - 30
• School teachers [2 per school] - 08
• Peer Educators [Youth 12 -16yrs] - 32
• Other guests - Oxfam Australia, Traditional leaders, KZN office of the Premier, Uthungulu District municipality, DPT. of Social Development, Education, Health & CPU[saps] - 20