{"id":3700,"date":"2017-09-01T14:46:05","date_gmt":"2017-09-01T14:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.covchurch.org\/covenantkidscongo\/?p=3700"},"modified":"2019-05-07T19:51:24","modified_gmt":"2019-05-07T19:51:24","slug":"young-peoples-parliament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blogs.covchurch.org\/covenantkidscongo\/young-peoples-parliament\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Young People’s Parliament Advocates for Children’s Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"

By CKC Project Manager Cat Knarr<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Young<\/a><\/p>\n

On a hot afternoon in June, kids ages 10 to 17 gathered in a classroom in Gemena, DR Congo for a plenary session of the Young People\u2019s Parliament. They sat around desks and discussed issues pertaining to children\u2019s rights in DR Congo.<\/p>\n

\u201cChildren know their own rights now and can express themselves,\u201d said the president of the parliament after the plenary had concluded. \u201cKids can participate in making decisions in family and community. There is less violence toward children because of this parliament.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meet the Young People\u2019s Parliament<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Young<\/a><\/p>\n

This particular plenary was held on the World Day Against Child Labor, on June 12th. Child labor is one of the issues that the Young People\u2019s Parliament has been addressing, along with child abuse, sexual violence, corruption, and educational matters. These young adults have been advocating for policies that protect and empower children.<\/p>\n

The Young People\u2019s Parliament began in 2013 with the support of Covenant Kids Congo powered by World Vision. While adult leaders provide guidance, the parliament is student-run. The young adults, who come from many different schools in Gemena, apply for the parliament. Each member serves a term of two years. About 100 young adults are currently participating.<\/p>\n

A Victory for Children\u2019s Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most recently, the Young People\u2019s Parliament petitioned the local education authorities to allow children who could not afford to pay exam fees to take their national exams.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had 812 children who couldn\u2019t pay fees for their exam,\u201d one member said.<\/p>\n

As a result of the parliament\u2019s advocacy, the education authorities decided to waive the fees for all students who couldn\u2019t afford it. Then they gave the Young People\u2019s Parliament permission to go on the radio and tell the community to send their children to take the exams. It was a major victory.<\/p>\n

Now, the Young People\u2019s Parliament is producing a documentary to share their story.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe children you\u2019re seeing here are making a film to be shown around the world, for the sake of the children, the province, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,\u201d the parliament’s spokesperson shared.<\/p>\n

The Future of Congo<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is the next generation of Congo\u2014and the future is bright! The recent CKC Pastoral Vision Trip team had the opportunity to meet the Young People\u2019s Parliament, and they were inspired.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese young people blew us away with their ability to speak for justice,\u201d said Pastor Anne Vining of First Covenant Church in St. Paul. She added, \u201cI believe the DRC has hope if these young people are given a chance to lead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pastor Adam Edgerly of Newsong LA was also on that trip. He shared his reflections, both on the ground and in his sermon upon return. Hear Adam’s thoughts:<\/p>\n