Introduction
The Africa Early Childhood Network (AfECN) considers safety and protection of all children especially those affected by conflict to be of paramount importance. This is particularly crucial at this time when over 16 million children are born and live in conflict areas. The refugee and conflict situation in Sub-Saharan Africa is dire with children and women caught up in the middle of this crisis in countries like South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia. In the South Sudan's case for example, more than 1 million of the 1.8 million population living in refugee camps are children. These are children who have fled from South Sudan because of political instability and wars. This is more than 50% of the refugee population in these camps. The same percentages replicate in the various refugee and conflict situations like in Syria.
AfECN’s goal is to design and support the effective implementation of a strategy to support the holistic development of refugee children and those affected by conflict. To achieve this, AfECN is setting up a working group: “Safe and Thriving Children” that will collaborate in the development of this strategy.
Focus
The Safe and Thriving Children working group aims to support ongoing efforts by other responders in reaching the unreached children in the conflict situation across Sub-Saharan Africa. This working group will support efforts in, development of contextually relevant support, resource mobilization and strengthened management systems as well as enhanced efforts to support the resilience of our children through multisectoral interventions. At the same time, to support the caregivers with resources that will ensure the children do not miss out on play and early learning, nutrition, safety and security, immunization and health services.
Membership
Membership is open to individuals and organizations that would like to partner with others in protecting refugees and young children affected by conflict
Application Process
If you feel this is the area you are passionate about and would like to be part of the team that grows this partnership, we call upon you to submit your application for membership through the AfECN website www.africaecnetwork.org and fill in the Safe Thriving Children working group as your preference. You could alternatively send an email indicating your interest to info@africaecdnetwork.org. We will process your application and get back to you within one week of application.