Empowering futures: Celebrating Child Achievements in the SCREAM Programme in Egypt

Beheira, Egypt – 5-6 February, 2024 - Under the primary objective of the ACCEL Africa project to assist boys and girls involved in or at risk of child labour within the cotton supply chain, a collaboration was established with the NGO (Sohag Association for improving conditions of women and children), aiming to improve the conditions of women and children by enrolling 600 children in the Supporting Children through Arts and Media (SCREAM) training. A graduation event took place in Beheira governorate on the 5th and 6th of February 2024, to celebrate the children who successfully completed their SCREAM training.

This significant occasion brought together the ACCEL Team, the children's parents, the graduates, and key stakeholders including representatives from the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Labour, the National Council of Childhood and Motherhood, and Banque Misr. An esteemed Sheikh from Al-Azhar Institute also contributed to the event by conducting an engaging session for parents on child rights and protection. The event was enriched with speeches by stakeholders who highlighted the support services available to families, as outlined in the “Public Services Handbook” distributed to parents. The children were presented with school supplies and certificates, acknowledging their completion of the SCREAM programme, and the event underscored the collective dedication to the eradication of child labour. The event was an opportunity to emphasize achievements and the collective commitment to eradicate child labour.

The ACCEL team took this opportunity to engage with the children about their experiences within the SCREAM programme. Here are some insights:

Mostapha Metwali, a 12-year-old participant, shared his transformative experience with the SCREAM programme, which helped him navigate the challenging choice between schooling and working in the fields. Mostapha, who had previously struggled with the physical demands of labour that hindered his school attendance, found a new perspective through the programme, saying, "I learnt about my rights as a child. Now, I can tell my parents and friends what I need," illustrating how SCREAM empowered him to prioritize his education and articulate his needs.

Similarly, 12-year-old Minessa Bakr gained valuable life lessons through the programme, which enabled her to express her experiences more confidently. Her mother noted a significant positive change in Minessa's character, highlighting her newfound assertiveness and understanding of the importance of health, appropriate attire, and education. Minessa's ambition to become a teacher and share her knowledge is a testament to the programme's success in fostering growth and aspirations among its participants.

These stories from Mostapha and Minessa underscore the profound impact of the SCREAM programme, not only in empowering children but also in fostering positive changes within their families, thereby contributing to the broader goal of eliminating child labour. The programme's comprehensive approach, focusing on rehabilitation, interpersonal skills, rights education, and the promotion of education, continues to shape the futures of participating children and their communities.