What would become of the youth if the families and community are not a part of their life experiences of reality, simply because they are not involved in the education of the young generation? – Jean Mary Wendo (Director of Programme – JMERC)
While it has been common knowledge that families and communities are essential to the education of children, the Covid-19 pandemic showed gave it a clarity that had never been revealed before. As closed schools were closed, we observed an adverse impact of Covid-19 on young people, especially girls. In a study, we conducted to understand how the Covid-19 school closure impacted the social and emotional well-being of the girl child, we learnt that most of the girls testify how they had to go in for transactional sex, just to get some money to buy sanitary towels for their monthly periods. When asked why they could not ask their guardians or parents, one girl revealed how the mother told her that she was old enough and so, she had to take care of her own needs. The impact of covid19 was not only among the girls but the youth as a whole, most of whom, found themselves completely cut out of studies since they never received learning support/interventions and so, the idleness and partial hopelessness drove them into some vicious acts like theft, random sex, involving in petty but dangerous businesses, drug taking and abuse, etcetera.
JMERC engages families and communities, through dialogues consultations and strategic talks to explore how they can support their children’s education including purposive collaboration with the schools and teachers of their children. Through these dialogues, we also support parents to develop an awareness of how to provide psychosocial support to their children. We realise that children require, not only material support but also and more importantly psychosocial support for their social and emotional wellbeing. The main aim of our family and community engagement programme is to increase parents, family and community involvement in the educational journey of their children. Through this process, we have been able to tap into a rich educational resource that had remained, for so long, untapped.
REQUESTING YOUR SUPPORT
Every person has the opportunity to make a positive change in the life outcomes of the children in Africa — no matter how big or small. Whatever amount you can give, or time you are willing to dedicate, know that your contribution makes a huge difference in the lives of others.
Your generous support brings us ever closer to our goals. You can donate, champion this cause and or invite others to join us to transform the lives of children in Africa.