BUSIA CCCD PROJECT
The Busia Child Centered Community Development (CCCD) project is an ongoing initiative aimed at improving the social-economic well-being of children in Buhkayo Central Location by increasing access to social-economic services, strengthening the capacities of households and communities to protect and care for their children, and strengthening community systems and structures to create meaningful change. It was officially launched in 2021 and it is scheduled to run for at least seven years till the year 2028.It is a Help a child foundation in partnership with AICCAD. The project has successfully held forums, formed positive parenting groups, and children’s clubs, and facilitated monthly children’s activities. This blog post will discuss the project’s impact, challenges, and successes during the inception phase.
Access to Social-Economic Services: The Busia CCCD project has made significant strides in increasing access to social-economic services for its beneficiaries. By forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmers Groups, and Youth Groups, the project has empowered households and communities to manage their income and participate more fully in community life. Through these groups, community members have been able to access financial services, market opportunities, and business training, which has improved their livelihoods.
Strengthening Child Protection Systems:
The Busia CCCD project has also focused on strengthening child protection systems through positive parenting and child protection activities. By working with 35 community-based trainers to form 12 active positive parenting groups with 281 caregivers, the project has been able to promote positive discipline and improve relationships between caregivers and children. Additionally, the project has formed 7 new children’s clubs in the two sub-locations and facilitated monthly children’s activities for 13 community children groups. These activities have helped to build healthy relationships between peers and provide a safe space for children to play and learn.
Sensitizing Community Members:
Despite initial challenges, the Busia CCCD project has successfully sensitized community members about the program’s goals and objectives. By holding forums, the project has been able to demystify the narrative that was being spread among community members during the initial community entry meetings. These forums have provided an opportunity for caregivers and community members to learn more about AICCAD and the CCCD model.
Successes and Challenges:
During the reporting period, the Busia CCCD project successfully held forums on the CCCD program, CAM/FAM ( Child Ambassador Model/ Family Ambassador Model), and SHG approach in the two new sub-locations, reaching out to 1105 CCCD caregivers and 932 other community people with sponsorship-related messages. Additionally, the project managed to form 7 new children’s clubs and facilitated monthly children’s activities for 13 community children groups. The project conducted a recreational trip for 55 children during the quarter and supported four CCCD children to get presidential bursary worth Ksh 10,000 for day schools and Ksh 30,000 boarding schools to help them be retained in school.
However, the project faced a few challenges, including recruiting and submitting 354 families with vulnerable children, which was its target. The recruitment age for CAM/FAM is for households with vulnerable children of ages 3-9 years under the care of biological parents or relatives. The project is currently in the process of recruiting CAM.
In conclusion, the Busia CCCD project has made significant progress in improving the social-economic well-being of children in Buhkayo Central Location. Through its focus on increasing access to social-economic services, strengthening child protection systems, and sensitizing community members, the project has positively impacted the lives of children and families. The project’s successes and challenges during the inception phase provide valuable insights into the project’s strengths and areas for improvement. With continued support and collaboration from stakeholders, the Busia CCCD project has the potential to create a meaningful change in the lives of children and their communities.