ABOUT THE EAST AFRICA CHILD RIGHTS TRUST NETWORK (THE EACR)
Who We Are
The EACR is a newly and emerging network of community grassroots organizations that work with children in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The network was started in early 2014, and later registered as a Trust (Registration Number 2487) in September 2015, in the Republic of Kenya.
The network currently brings together close to 40 indigenous grassroots organizations spread across the 3 countries.
Numerous Challenges
Many organizations making efforts to improve the lives of children in Kenya face numerous challenges including;
lack of capacity, limited resources and networks and general difficulty showcasing their good work and efforts. EACR works with and supports these grassroots organizations to: Showcase their work with children Strengthen their efforts and build their technical capacity to effectively implement child rights programs Strengthen their resource mobilization efforts for program growth, and Provide them a platform for sharing lessons, best practice and peer learning
Our Approach
EACR mission is to ensure that Africa’s children grow to realize their dreams and ambitions in life. This is driven by a vision seeking to see a world that respects and listens to children; and allows them to grow in health and dignity. The network seeks to raise the voices and visibility of child focused grassroots groups, community based organizations and faith-based groups working with and for children. Among the key activities done by EACR include, strengthening coordination and communication among network members, and roll out of systematic mentoring and capacity building programs. Other activities include promoting girls education, economic empowerment of youth, families and communities.
EAST AFRICA CHILD RIGHTS TRUST NETWORK (EACR)
“…..Bridging Voices for Children in East Africa”
EACR Milestones
Since its formation, the EACR has successfully rolled out and supported two regional and national level events in the region. In May 7th 2016, the EACR supported planning and roll out of the Kenya government national celebrations to mark the World Orphans Day in Kisumu City. Later on 16th June 2016, the network partnered with Global Affairs Canada and its network of international missions to launch and roll out a sub Saharan Africa campaign on girls education and women empowerment in Migori, Kenya. This regional launch is an annual campaign that was first launched in Accra Ghana, and later in Tunis and uses social media and art mural to pass powerful messages around gender based violence and harmful traditional practices such as child marriage. Presently, the EACR is implementing phase two of a scaled 5-months integrated Community Safe Spaces project (ISSP2) that aims to directly protect 300 vulnerable girls and young women in Kuria and Rongo sub counties from FGM and early marriage. This project is funded by the Girl Generation while the previous phase received support from Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). Both ISSP2 and ISSP1 undertake a unique community based case management program on child protection and has successfully managed and followed over 50 cases ranging from child abuse, exploitation, neglect or abandonment, FGM, to early marriage in Rongo and Kuria sub counties. As well, the ISSP initiative has indirectly benefitted 40 schools and over 12,000 school going children with information about child protection and child rights.
