“Youth for Children” Workshop in UEM Africa Region

In the framework of the UEM current theme, “Share the Good News: Faith and Action” and the celebration of the Reformation Year, it is remembered what Martin Luther said:”Parents are reminded to tend to the souls of their children”. With this background, from 6^th to 11^th August 2017 at the Isano Guest House of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda, 12 youth participants from UEM member churches in Africa participated to a UEM workshop on “Youth for Children“. Youth delegates reflected on their roles to support, protect children, to show them the importance of giving a needed consideration to children in church activities and motivate them to become actors of change in their community. Children are a special target of UEM’s supported programs through church primary schools and basic health care systems. The workshop aimed at introducing youth to various alternatives of working to reduce children’s problems and in a special way children who are suffering from social and physical challenges. The workshop was inspired by a biblical understanding of the importance of children, holism in child protection, child abuse, effects and healing memories for a child affected by abuse. It was resolved that in Africa children have to be developed holistically. All have the right to be protected from violence, exploitation and abuse. This includes: physical, spiritual, social, emotional and mental protection. A child-friendly and protective church environment should be a transformational approach of implementing children’s ministry. It was reminded to church leaders at all levels that protecting children from abuse and the provision of a better life is an adult and parental responsibility. Youth leaders in each church have a crucial role to support and protect children from abuse. Among others, participants recommended all church leaders to be committed to the following:

To speak about child protection in sermons and through awareness creation: Pray for the welfare of children and their families regularly.
Advocate and create awareness on child’ rights and protection to all stakeholders (church leaders, Sunday school teachers, teachers, parents, etc.) at national levels. Create case management, reporting and referral mechanisms for addressing abuse cases.
Use instruments in place on child protection to seek legal redress when children’s rights are violated.
Train and equip children, parents, church leaders, the community and all those involved with children on child protection and safeguarding.
Develop relevant teaching curricula that cater for the well-being and safety of children at home, school, community and church.

Report summarized by the Rev Dr John Wesley Kabango, UEM Africa Executive Secretary.