Mobilise resources to combat child abuse, joblessness

Counseling psychologist Consolata Kondi address young girls during a Child sexual exploitation and Abuse forum organized by Trace Kenya at the Bamburi Beach hotel in Mombasa. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Many pressing issues keep hindering Kenya's progress and development. Among them, child abuse, youth unemployment, and the lack of a stronger localisation agenda are not being given the attention they deserve. The localisation emphasises the importance of empowering local communities and promoting sustainable development at the grassroots level.

While addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, one of the essential factors is effective resource mobilisation. This plays a key role in combating child abuse, youth unemployment, and advancing the localisation agenda. Child abuse remains a grave concern in Kenya and has long-lasting detrimental effects on the well-being and development of our children. Resource mobilisation helps in allocating funds and resources to initiatives focused on prevention, protection, and rehabilitation.

Public and private partnerships, for instance, can be established to raise funds for awareness campaigns, training programmes for child protection professionals, and establishing safe spaces for children who have experienced abuse. By mobilising resources, we can strengthen child protection systems, provide adequate support services, and empower communities to recognise and report cases of child abuse promptly. Youth unemployment is a growing challenge in Kenya and a thorny issue for both county and national governments.

A significant number of young people are struggling to secure meaningful employment opportunities and many resort to devious activities to eke out a living. Resource mobilisation can drive initiatives that address this issue by investing in skills training programmes, entrepreneurship development, and mentorship schemes. Mobilised funds from public and private sources can build job creation initiatives such as start-up incubators, vocational training centres, and microfinance schemes, which empower young people to become self-reliant and contribute to the economy.

In addition, collaboration with the private sector can facilitate the creation of internship and apprenticeship programmes to bridge the skills gap and increasing youth employability. Resource mobilisation plays a critical role in advancing the localisation agenda by channeling funds towards community-led initiatives, local businesses, and social enterprises. By mobilising resources, we can support local entrepreneurs, stimulate job creation, and enhance the overall socio-economic development in communities.

Additionally, investment in infrastructure, healthcare facilities, education, and agriculture at the local level can promote self-sufficiency, reduce poverty, and foster inclusive growth. Addressing child abuse, youth unemployment, and advancing the localisation agenda in Kenya requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders. It is essential for government agencies, civil society organisations, private sector entities, and individuals to collaborate in mobilising resources, developing sustainable strategies, and implementing programmes that empower communities, protect vulnerable children, create employment opportunities for the youth, and drive local development.

Mr Adede is the Grants Acquisition and Management Manager for ChildFund Kenya