Children council holding policy makers accountable by Abigail Kalebwe
“Waza waza waza! I have the ball! I have the ball!” Animated chants from a group of secondary school children in Kabwe who have literally taken the ball in their hands to create impact change at the source – with policy makers. These vibrant youth formed what is known as a ‘Children’s Council’.
The children in this council went through a series of sessions where they were trained in the policy making cycle and empowered with knowledge on holding policy makers accountable for specific issues. The Kabwe Council took up the rights of children with disability as their advocacy issue and hosted a Hot Seat with the Provincial Permanent Secretary, Central Province. You catch a glimpse of this dynamic interaction by watching a video of this event is available on the Kabwe Children’s Council Facebook page – Quest Council Kabwe.
When the members of the Council were asked what steps will they would take to make sure the Permanent Secretary kept their word and that the rights of people with disabilities are met, they gave the following responses;
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