workshop on child advocacy group formation

[Guest guest]

Kerala children advocacy group (KCAG)

KCAG, an advocacy group is first of its kind for children affected by HIV and AIDS in Kerala .It is affiliated to Kerala Positive Women Network (KPWN+) and Positive Women Network (PWN+) through Children Voices Project supported by UNICEF. The consultancy for this event was provided by Buds of Christ, Chennai with technical inputs from UNICEF.

 

A three day consultation for supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS organize themselves as a state level child advocacy forum for the rights of children affected by HIV/AIDS was held at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery from 14th to 16th of August 2009. The aim of this consultation was to enable children to form a state level advocacy forum, enable children to understand child rights and existing policies and programmes in the context of issues affecting them and to facilitate a review of implementation of the OVC policy framework within the purview of NACP III. 20 children participated in the consultation. They have come from different districts of Kerala. 12 to 16 years was the age group of children who participated. The recommendations for inclusive programmes of children have listed below:

Prevention

·        Include awareness programmes on drug abuse and its impacts among children to prevent the use of drugs (especially among children from HIV affected Families)

·        Ensure strict monitoring for HIV screening in blood banks, including the licensed blood banks.

·        With the help of red ribbon club conduct awareness on HIV/AIDS in schools and form red ribbon clubs in schools.

·        Conduct seminars and classes on Child Rights in all schools in Kerala.

·        Education on sex and sexuality in schools by properly trained teachers.

Treatment

·        We want child friendly doctors otherwise children will not be open about their problems.

·        We want separate counselling for infected and affected children.

·        Counseling for brothers and sisters of children living with HIV also will ensure better care and services

·        Hospital atmosphere should be child friendly-having the space more colourful,posters with cartoon images

·        Use cartoons for treatment education.

·        The smell, shape and the color of the medicines should be in the interest of the children.

 

Care and Support

·        Counseling services should enable parents to disclose their status with the children without hurting them.

·        Providing opportunities for parents of children affected by HIV on different self employments/ Income Generation Programmes.

·        Proper treatment and counselling to children living with HIV

·        Give sponsorship to children to continue their studies.

·        We need nutritional supplement

·        Support group meetings for children are essential, should have separate meetings for children living with HIV.

·        Empower children with education on child rights in the context of HIV and AIDS in peer group meetings

 

Our special expressions of gratitude to DrJanaki from Trichur Medical college,Mr Nijo consultant youth Affairs, KSACS, representatives from Salvation Army, CEVA, Domestic workers(do not know the full form) expressed their support and solidarity in the establishment of children’s forum. We would also like to express our gratitude for the support Mr.Antony of Rajagiri College who supported us with technical inputs on the OVC framework.

Kerala Children’s Advocacy Group (KCAG)

C/o Kerala Positive Women Network (KPWN+)

50/2733, First Floor, Pulikkal House,

Vyttila.

Ph: 0484- 2112068

Thanks and regards

Bindu-- Kerala Positive Women Network (KPWN+)50/ 2733,  First Floor, Pulickal House,Bank  Road, Vyttila,Cochin 19Phone 0484- 2112068Website: www.kpwnplus.org