AIC Kanzinwa Child Development Centre in Partnership with NGAO, Community members and other Stakeholders held Public Barasa on 23/1/2024 to Address Drug Abuse and Child Neglect

In a collaborative effort to address the pervasive issues of child neglect and drug abuse, AIC Kanzinwa Child Development Centre partnered with the National Government Administration Office (NGAO) and other stakeholders organized a public baraza in a village identified as a hotspot for drug abuse. This village faces significant challenges, with approximately 70% of the community members involved in selling illicit brew. The baraza was spearheaded by child neglect champions, who were selected from parents and trained in 2024 by the Sub-County Children Officer as part of the cluster child neglect campaign. 0n 22/1/2024 the area assistant Chief, a child neglect champions and police officers arrested some of the community members who sell illicit brew in that village and damaged 80 litres of illicit brew

Objectives of the Public Baraza

Raise Awareness: Educate the community about the dangers of drug abuse and its impact on families and children.
Advocate for Child Protection: Address the issue of child neglect and highlight the role of parents and guardians in ensuring child welfare.
Engage Stakeholders: Bring together key community leaders and stakeholders to develop collective solutions.
Encourage Behavior Change: Motivate community members to move away from illicit brew production and embrace alternative livelihoods.

Participants
The meeting was attended by the following:

Mumoni Sub County Assistant County Commissioner
Officer Commanding Station (OCS)
Sub-County Education Officer
Public Health Officer
Village Administrator
Community Health Volunteers
Community members

Presentations by Stakeholders

- The Assistant County Commissioner emphasized the legal repercussions of selling illicit brew and drug abuse, urging the community to comply with the law.
- The Sub-County Education Officer highlighted the impact of drug abuse and neglect on children’s education and encouraged parents to prioritize their children’s schooling.
- The Public Health Officer discussed the health risks associated with illicit brew and drug abuse, including their effects on family well-being.
Community Discussions
- Child neglect champions facilitated open discussions, sharing stories of successful interventions and encouraging parents to adopt positive parenting practices.
- Community members shared their concerns and challenges, fostering an environment of mutual understanding.
Proposals for Solutions
- The Village Administrator proposed forming a task force to monitor and report cases of child neglect and illicit brewing.
- Community Health Volunteers pledged to conduct follow-ups on families affected by drug abuse and neglect.
- Stakeholders committed to supporting alternative income-generating activities to reduce reliance on illicit brew sales.

Outcomes

Increased awareness of the consequences of drug abuse and child neglect among community members.
Strengthened collaboration between community leaders, law enforcement, and health professionals in addressing these issues.

Conclusion
The public baraza organized by AIC Kanzinwa Child Development Centre and NGAO marked a significant step toward addressing the twin challenges of drug abuse and child neglect in the village. By engaging key stakeholders and empowering community members, the initiative has set the stage for long-term positive change. Continued collaboration and support will be critical in achieving sustainable results.