These rights are mine

Objectives/Background

The “These Rights Are Mine!” project was developed in response to the persistent and growing challenges affecting children’s rights and welfare in Malawi. Despite the country’s commitments to international child protection frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and national policies aimed at safeguarding children, many Malawian children continue to face violations of their fundamental rights. These include child labour, sexual abuse, trafficking, early marriages, exploitation in tobacco estates, and exposure to harmful cultural practices. Such violations undermine children’s safety, development, and future prospects.

Reports from organizations such as Plan International have highlighted that thousands of Malawian children are exposed to dangerous labour conditions, particularly in tobacco farming where many children risk nicotine poisoning. At the same time, the HIV and AIDS epidemic has significantly increased the number of orphans and vulnerable children in the country, leaving many without adequate protection or support systems. According to UNICEF estimates referenced in the proposal, more than one million children in Malawi are orphaned, making them particularly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Another major challenge is the limited awareness among children themselves regarding their rights and responsibilities. Historically, many child rights education initiatives in Malawi h

Context/Target Group

The “These Rights Are Mine!” project primarily targets school-going children in primary schools, particularly those living in vulnerable and underserved communities across Malawi. The initiative focuses on children between the ages of approximately 10 and 16 years, a critical developmental stage during which young people begin to develop stronger social awareness, decision-making skills, and a deeper understanding of their role in society.

Many children within this age group face significant challenges that affect their well-being and future opportunities. These include poverty, limited access to information, exposure to exploitation, and lack of platforms through which they can express their views and concerns. In many cases, children are unaware of their basic rights and therefore lack the confidence and knowledge necessary to report abuse or seek help when violations occur.

The project particularly focuses on children who are vulnerable, including:

Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) affected by HIV and AIDS

Children living in rural and low-income communities

Children at risk of child labour, especially in agricultural areas

Children who have limited access to educational resources and media platforms

These groups are often the most marginalized and least reached by traditional awareness campaigns and social protection initiatives. By prioritizing these children, the project aims to ensure that those most at risk of rights

Implementation Approach

The “These Rights Are Mine!” project adopts a participatory and communication-based implementation approach designed to empower children while engaging communities in meaningful dialogue about child rights and responsibilities. The project recognizes that sustainable social change requires more than simply sharing information. Instead, it focuses on fostering behavioral change, building confidence among children, and creating supportive environments that enable them to exercise their rights.

The implementation approach is grounded in Strategic Development Communication (SDC), which emphasizes interactive communication, community participation, and culturally appropriate learning methods. This approach allows children to actively engage with the subject matter rather than passively receiving information. It also ensures that project activities reflect the social, cultural, and economic realities of the communities in which the project operates.

The project will be implemented over a 12-month period and will involve a series of interconnected activities designed to reinforce learning and expand outreach.

School-Based Child Rights Training

The first stage of implementation focuses on training selected students from the participating schools. Approximately 20 students from each of the 25 schools will participate in training sessions covering topics such as:

Child rights and responsibilities

Personal values and decision-making

Saving, budgeting, and responsible financial management

Communication and peer education skills

These training sessions will equip students with the knowledge and confidence needed to act as child rights ambassadors within their schools and communities.

Participatory Theatre in Schools

One of the central components of the project is the use of participatory theatre as a tool for education and advocacy. After receiving training, the students will learn how to develop and perform drama pieces that address child rights issues relevant to their communities.

Using a creative storytelling framework known as the “Seven Ws”, students will develop stories that explore issues such as child labour, abuse, discrimination, and financial responsibility. These theatre performances will be presented in schools and neighbouring communities, providing opportunities for interactive discussions between performers and audiences.

The theatre approach is particularly effective because it:

Encourages

Partnerships & Areas for Strengthening

Partnerships are a critical component of the “These Rights Are Mine!” project, as they enable the initiative to expand its reach, strengthen implementation capacity, and enhance sustainability. While the project design provides a strong framework for empowering children through education and community engagement, collaboration with strategic partners will significantly improve the effectiveness and long-term impact of the intervention.

One key area where partnerships are essential is education sector collaboration. Working closely with the Ministry of Education, district education offices, and school administrations will ensure that the project activities align with national education priorities and existing school programs. Such partnerships will facilitate access to schools, support the integration of child rights education into school activities, and strengthen the sustainability of child rights clubs formed through the project.

Another important area for partnership is child protection and social welfare services. Collaborating with government institutions such as the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, as well as child protection organizations, will strengthen referral systems for children who report abuse or rights violations. Through these partnerships, children participating in the project will have clearer pathways to access protection services and psychosocial support when necessary