Doors of Hope NGO project director Jacqueline Shibalira has said the government should broaden opportunities for children's participation as they equally affect children.
Shibalira said opportunities need to be created for children to express their views on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) and to contribute towards the accomplishment of such goals for Machakos County.
"Simply put, children should be involved in development activities both as agents and beneficiaries of development," said Shibalira.
She addressed the press at her office in Athi River, Machakos County on Saturday.
Shibalira said particular attention should be given to identifying the significant proportions of vulnerable children who remain 'left behind' or who are 'furthest behind' in a range of areas.
She said these include children with disabilities, children without parental care, girls and children in rural areas.
"Doors of Hope NGO has a center that deals with special persons where we offer therapy services and special needs education so as to make sure that no child is left behind. When we started, most parents still had trust issues and were not that willing to let us help their children due to stigmatization and lack of knowledge but with time through counseling and different testimonials, we are noticing the change," added Shibalira.
Shibalira said they support over 100 parents who in turn have been able to go out and look for Income Generating Activities (IGAs) to improve their livelihoods and those of their families.
She said as an organization, they are organizing a cerebral palsy awareness walk on October 6, 2018, to sensitize the public about the condition in a bid of doing away with the myths and misconception milling around 'special' persons.
"There are a number of challenges we face that is poverty where parents are unable to afford medication for their children, some need special diets and assistive devices but since most are low-income earners, this is a challenge. Another challenge is lack of knowledge which forms misconception about such conditions," she added.
Shibalira said people who do not understand the condition end up stigmatizing families with 'special' children.
She said the cost of inaction is high hence failing to invest in essential services and protection for all children do not just deny children their rights but also lead to incurring higher costs later in terms of lost lives, wasted potential and reduced productivity.
Shibalira said mobilization through advocacy campaigns and other communication strategies to raise awareness, increase interest and generate local ownership should be pursued to make Sustained Development Goals more understandable and adaptable.
"Communication and awareness raising enables us to engage to with and gather insights and inputs from multiple stakeholders, including all categories of children across Machakos County," Shibalira added.
She said the national, county governments and other stakeholders have a significant role to play in the well being of children.
"If we all join supporting the children, the county will make a major stride. Our children shall not be left behind," Shibalira concluded.