Strong children's groups and their contribution to ending violence in local communities

Article 15 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) states that children have the right to freedom of association, meaning the right to form and join groups as long as they do not prevent others from enjoying their... [ view full abstract ]

Article 15 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) states that children have the right to freedom of association, meaning the right to form and join groups as long as they do not prevent others from enjoying their rights. Children’s groups are a popular model for engaging children in advocacy and violence prevention efforts for many community-based and non-governmental organisations focused on advancing children’s holistic well-being. 

This paper critically discusses the Article 15 Resource Kit, which has been developed and implemented by World Vision in partnership with the Children’s Environmental Research Group of New York. The resource kit is a set of child-friendly tools designed to young people’s capacities to self-organize through critical self-reflection of their groups and partnerships with adults. The tools focus on specific aspects of group functioning, including  the establishment, management, and sustainability of a children’s group.

This paper explores answers to the following questions:

• What characteristics make some groups stronger and more cohesive than others?
• How does being a “strong” children’s group contribute to protection outcomes in a community?
• Are stronger groups more effective when it comes to taking action on child protection issues?

These tools have been utilized and integrated into World Vision Albania’s child protection programming with children. Usage of these tools have encouraged children to engage in a process of self reflection and critical assessment of their own groups and how they work together to end violence and make their communities a safer place for themselves and other young people.

World Vision has a strong record of creating an enabling environment that empowers children’s groups to be active agents of change, translating into two tangible actions: 1) children’s groups are equipped to self-organize, and 2) children’s groups are better placed to work alongside adults to end violence in their communities.