The Eastern African Child Rights Network held its 10th Annual General Meeting and a partners reflection and learning event at Chez Land Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda, from the 25th to 27th of November 2024. The meeting was conducted in a plenary format accommodating both virtual and physical participation.
The partners reflection and learning event plus the 10th AGM was a crucial event for the network since it served as an opportunity for members to assess the progress, impact, and sustainability of the network, reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year in tackling challenges children face in accessing free, fair, and quality education, and strategize for the future.
The meeting created a platform for members to:
- Evaluate the general progress of the network and its members, assessing challenges and strategies for mitigation for quality education in the Eastern Africa Region.
- Share lived experiences, impact, good practices, and come up with recommendations for education in their respective states and EAC at large
- Improve and build capacities on emerging trends in child rights advocacy, especially on education in the Eastern Africa Region, and develop strategies for advocacy.
- Develop accountability mechanisms on child rights issues, especially education and future reporting, to ensure this comes to realization.
- Enhance information sharing and ownership of the network through feedback and participation of members
- Elect the board of directors for the network The meeting was attended by participants
This meeting was attended by participants from different member networks and partners. Including the members from Burundi (BCRF-3), 1 from Ethiopia (CHADET), 1 from South Sudan, 1 from Somaliland (online), 7 from Rwanda-CUI, 6 from Kenya (EACRN-5, KAARC-1), 1 from Madagascar (MCCR), 1 from Tanzania (TCRF) and 2 from Uganda (UCRNN-2). Other partners who also joined the meeting included representatives from NCDA Rwanda, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Plan International, CLADHO, Children Voice Today and RCSP.
The meeting gave opportunities to our national coalition members to do a comprehensive report on the state of education in their respective countries. The platform also gave an opportunity to children from Children Voices Today, Rwanda, to have a panel discussion that highlighted critical issues affecting children across Africa and presented targeted advocacy messages. Key topics included education, where they emphasized the need for inclusive, quality, and accessible education for all, particularly by increasing the number of public schools, improving infrastructure, and addressing challenges such as dropouts and inadequate learning materials. They also called for the establishment of programs to promote total school enrollment, inclusive facilities for children with disabilities, and girls’ safety through measures like hygiene-safe rooms. Addressing climate change was another critical advocacy area where children urged governments to prioritize environmental protection through policies, funding, and community awareness campaigns. They emphasized the importance of disaster management and involving children in environmental decision-making processes to combat the effects of droughts, deforestation, and environmental degradation that disproportionately impact children.
Summary of the resolutions from the meeting
- The AGM resolved on the issue of Ethiopia coalition joining EACRN that All new member applications must strictly adhere to the procedures outlined in the EACRN Constitution and established guidelines. In regard to networks being registered in their countries before they become members of EACRN. Consequently, Ethiopia was directed to adhere to these procedures and submit their formal application for membership, which will be considered and potentially approved at the next AGM.
- The AGM resolved that Individuals or organizations interested in joining EACRN will be invited to attend meetings with observer status. This approach allows them to engage, learn, and familiarize themselves with EACRN’s operations. Observer status ensures that potential members are prepared for active participation upon formal admission.
- The AGM resolved, through a voting process, that BCRF will become the representative member of EACRN in Burundi, the decision was made with 5 votes in agreement, 1 vote not given, and 1 vote abstained. This resolution is effective immediately, recognizing BCRF as the official representative of EACRN in Burundi moving forward.
- The AGM has resolved, through a voting process, that the next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in Madagascar. The decision was made with 7 votes in favor of Madagascar as the host. The date for the AGM will be determined in consultation with the next Board and Secretariat, and the final arrangements will depend on the availability of funds.
The 10th AGM also marked the election of a new board of directors for the Network. The election process for the board of the Eastern Africa Child Rights Network (EACRN) was conducted under the supervision of a representative from Ethiopia, the Executive Director of CHADET, Dr. Annania Admassu and the Executive Director of EACRN, Mr. Benedict Omillo. This election marked the establishment of a new board following the dissolution of the previous one. The previous board comprised:
- Chairperson: Uganda – Mr. Damon Wamara
- Vice Chairperson: Sudan – Prof Afaf Alfadh
- Treasurer: Tanzania – Mr. Ombeni Kimaro
- Members: Rwanda and Kenya – Mr Maximilien Ruzigana and Mr Timothy Ekesa
Voting was conducted via secret ballot for those present at the venue. Members who were unable to attend in person, such as Somaliland, participated virtually by indicating their votes in the chat. Each country was allocated one vote to ensure equitable participation. The physical voting members included,
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Kenya
- Burundi
- Uganda
- Madagascar
- Tanzania
After the round of nominations and voting, the following members were elected to the board of directors of the Eastern Africa Child Rights Network:
- Chairperson: Maximillien Ruzigana-Rwanda was elected as Chairperson after receiving majority support.
- Vice Chairperson: Ramaroson Edmondine -Madagascar was confirmed as Vice Chairperson.
- Treasurer: Ombeni Kimaro-Tanzania was elected as Treasurer.
- Board Members: Kenya (Timothy Ekesa) and Somaliland (Mrs. Keni Abdi) were confirmed as additional board members based on their nominations and votes.
The election process adhered strictly to the established guidelines, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout. The successful election of the new board signifies a renewed commitment to advancing the goals of EACRN. Attached to the annexes of this report are the election ballots from both physical and online voters.
From the entire EACRN secretariat, we wish to appreciate the previous board of directors led by Mr. Damon Wamara for the crucial role in ensuring that we transit to a fully independent organization and we are a fully registered regional Network. As we usher in the new management, we would like to extend our full support to ensuring that we continue with our mandate of promoting, protecting and advancing children’s rights in the region.
Links:
Live proceedings of Day one of the EACRN 10TH AGM
Live proceedings of Day three of the EACRN 10TH AGM
Countries report on the status of education.