Experts encourage government and development institutions to adopt this approach to address the demands of communities in a more inclusive manner. Social workers particularly favor this approach due to its significant returns in building resilience. The human-centric approach is a style that prioritizes the needs and perspectives of human beings, and it has been recognized by social science experts as having long-lasting benefits.
Taking into account the importance of the human-centric initiative, the Addis Ababa Women, Children, and Social Affairs Bureau is actively working to implement it and provide benefits to 766,621 vulnerable children through various childcare programs in the metropolis.
During a press briefing on Universal Child Day Administration celebration and the Bureau’s performance in implementing the initiative, Woineshet Zerihun, the Head of the Addis Ababa Women, Children, and Social Affairs Bureau, emphasized that the Bureau is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities at the grassroots level through diverse approaches.
She highlighted that support is being provided through five alternative childcare and support programs. Specifically, around 3,500 children are benefiting from the Tesfa Birhan feeding centers, while an additional 731,000 children are enrolled in school feeding programs. Furthermore, 26,797 children have benefited from community-based childcare and sponsorship programs facilitated by civil servants and investors. In the same year, 2,505 children were successfully reunited and reintegrated with their families, while 35 and 60 children were placed in foster care and local adoption programs, respectively.
In addition to the support provided by the Bureau-affiliated institutions to 500 children, different NGOs have embraced 2,208 children, further contributing to their well-being. The Head of the Bureau also highlighted the extensive awareness creation programs conducted in partnership with relevant stakeholders, including the Justice Bureau and Federal Police. These programs have reached over 80,000 members of the community, representing each district.
As part of the City Administration’s commitment to human-centered projects, including Early Child Development (ECD), a budget of 259 million Birr has been allocated for this fiscal year. Notably, 17,000 pregnant and lactating women with low incomes, as well as children below the age of three, have already received direct nutritious food support.
In terms of onsite daycare facilities, the Administration has opened approximately 86 centers, catering to 1,249 children. The plan is to expand this number to 272 centers in the coming years. Additionally, two community-based daycare centers are serving children in Ayat and Summit condominium sites. Furthermore, a government-funded community-based daycare center is currently accommodating 50 children, as explained by the Bureau Head.
To enhance the quality of childcare, the Bureau has trained and certified 79 mothers recruited from 11 districts under the Day Mother Daycare program. These mothers will be provided with the necessary materials to effectively carry out their responsibilities. Additionally, there is a plan to open 230 daycare centers during this budget year.
The Bureau emphasizes the importance of the government’s responsibility in ensuring the implementation of laws and regulations that protect the rights of children. They also urge NGOs and the media to play a significant role in addressing children’s issues and raising awareness within society through their programs.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Director of Children Right Protection and Welfare Directorate at the Addis Ababa Women, Children, and Social Affair Bureau, Andualem Tafese, highlighted the increasing global attention given to safeguarding children’s rights. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in addressing the pressing problems faced by children worldwide. The 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child is of particular importance in this regard.
Ethiopia is recognized as a pioneer in ratifying and implementing this declaration, further solidifying its commitment to children’s rights. Moreover, the nation has enshrined the importance of children’s rights in Article 10 of the constitution.
According to Andualem, children deserve protection, empowerment, quality education, healthcare, and safeguarding from any form of abuse or exploitation. It is crucial to prioritize their well-being and ensure they have the necessary support to reach their full potential.
“As we celebrated World Children’s Day, the Bureau actively engaged in promoting various messages aimed at protecting children. This platform provides an inspiring entry point for advocating, promoting, and celebrating children’s rights, leading to meaningful dialogues and actions that contribute to building a better world for children. In my perspective, celebrating international day occasions serves as an opportunity to educate the public on critical issues, mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and celebrate and acknowledge humanity’s achievements. The Bureau will continue its efforts in raising awareness and providing assistance in terms of food and education.”
It is evident that the government holds the responsibility to establish and enforce laws and policies that safeguard children’s rights. This includes legislation against child labor, child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, as well as policies that ensure access to education, healthcare, and social services.
In this regard, Ethiopia has incorporated Article 36 into its constitution, which focuses on the rights and protection of children. Additionally, the country has endorsed a National Child Policy to be implemented nationwide. This policy emphasizes that both private and public institutions must prioritize the rights and protection of children in the execution of any project, he said.
According to him, the Bureau urges families, schools, and law enforcement bodies to actively monitor children’s activities and work towards raising awareness about child rights protection. It is crucial for both the government and families to fulfill their respective responsibilities in safeguarding the rights of children and creating an environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. Children are vulnerable to various risks, such as child labor, abuse, exploitation, discrimination, and trafficking.
The World Children’s Day has been globally celebrated for the 34th time and nationally for the 18th time. This year’s event was commemorated by the Bureau under the theme “Let us pass Love and Kindness for today’s children.”
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2023
