KENYA: AMECEA Safety of Children During Coronavirus Pandemic

By George Thuku, AMECEA Safeguarding Officer

In the face of the on- going Coronavirus Pandemic and the subsequent preventative measures that government and the Church authorities are taking, children are vulnerable to other forms of abuse. As such, children must remain at the centre of everyday life, work and focus to ensure their emotional, physical, social economic and spiritual wellbeing.

We are saddened by the increasing fatalities across the world notably affecting the elderly but also children. Our deepest condolences to all those mourning the loss of loved ones and to all of us affected in one way or the other. We pray that the Lord through the Paschal Mystery will bring an end to the human suffering occasioned by the virus.

It’s notable that even though mortality rate for children remains relatively low, they continue to feel the impact of the pandemic. Schools play a very critical role in a child’s life. Most schools have had to be closed down to prevent the spread of the virus among the children, and this disrupts not just schooling but the normal pyscho-social and spiritual life of a child.

Also, children get emotionally affected when their parents, caregivers and/or family members become ill. In the situation we are in, it is important to bear in mind the vulnerability of children and be extra vigilant to safeguard them from any possible harm. This said, the following practical things come to my mind.

Firstly, with extended time together with their children, parents can help them process the psycho-social meaning of the pandemic. They ought to actively engage with them by asking them open-ended questions, correct the myths they may be having, address any fears they may have by assuring them of their parental protection and care. However, this must be done without promising them too as they already know some things are beyond even us as adults.

It is also important that parents help the children to understand and observe the Coronavirus prevention measures as advised by health workers and governments. They ought to understand the fact that they are equally vulnerable to Coronavirus infection and that they can also infect the others.

In times of pandemic such as this, children face increased risks to abuse due to a disruption in the normal functioning of the family and community. They become more vulnerable to not just the infection with the virus but to other forms of physical, emotional, sexual, neglect and even spiritual harm. Therefore, parents, guardians and caregivers must be extra cautious to always ensure that their children are supervised and well-protected whether at home or at home on in the neighbourhood.

In such a situation, it is also important that children are listened to carefully when they express or do not express their needs.

They must be helped to keep physically active either by allowing them to safely play outside the house or engaging in physical exercises as appropriate but without compromising their protection from getting infected or infecting others. Obviously, the extended hours at home poses a great risk to their physical and social well-being if not properly guided.

If possible, parents must encourage their children to safely access games and others resources including online, electronic and print media on Coronavirus but also on their studies. Thank God, many schools were creative enough to provide for some online exercises which their children can do from from. This will keep them safe but also mentally occupied.

Above all, it is important not only to spend time with them, but to spend quality time with them. This is the time to spoil our children by parental attention, care and love. When life presents them lemons, turn them into lemonades.

During this difficult time, the AMECEA Child Safeguarding office remains committed to supporting and caring for the little ones.