On 13th November 2025, our organization participated in a youth-centered training under the Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC 2) initiative. The session, held at PEC Hotel in Ngong, brought together youth advocates from Kajiado North and Nairobi County, including representatives from ANPPCAN, Forum for Women, Tulivu Safe Haven, and other community-based organizations. The training was facilitated by the Children Officer from Kajiado North and the Children Officer from Dandora.

The goal of the training was to strengthen youth leadership in child protection, deepen understanding of case management and referral pathways, and enhance county-level collaboration in preventing and responding to violence against children.

Focus Areas of the Training

The interactive session centered on:

• Building the advocacy and leadership capacity of young people engaged in child protection work.

• Increasing knowledge of child protection issues, including sexual and domestic violence, case management processes, and how to navigate referral pathways.

• Supporting youth-led interventions within schools and communities to promote safety and well-being.

• Aligning county efforts with commitments made at the 2024 Global Ministerial Meeting on Ending Violence Against Children held in Bogotá, Colombia.

Youth advocates also explored opportunities to collaborate with universities, media houses, and community organizations to expand advocacy efforts and strengthen evidence generation.

Key Highlights

This activity forms part of the broader EVAC Project, a global initiative led by Restless Development and the Global Youth-Led Movement for Action. The project empowers young people to prevent and respond to violence against children, with community-level implementation supported by CEA, ANPPCAN, and other partners.

By improving the capacity of youth volunteers in child protection, EVAC 2 helps reinforce local systems and build safer environments where every child is protected. The project is currently being implemented across Nairobi, Busia, Kisumu, and Kajiado North.

During the training, the Children Officers guided discussions on:

• Strengthening coordination with the Directorate of Children Services

• Establishing EVAC Clubs in schools

• Promoting early reporting of abuse

• Enhancing community awareness and prevention efforts

Why This Training Matters

Violence against children remains a significant challenge across Kenya. The EVAC 2 initiative equips young people with the skills and knowledge to become effective champions for child protection. By empowering youth to prevent violence, support survivors, and engage meaningfully with child protection systems at national and county levels, the program contributes to a safer and more resilient future for all children.