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03.09.2009Successful African Regional Consultation closes
On the last day of the meeting the child helplines updated each other on developments in the region and had the opportunity to discuss priorities and topics that are important for the child helplines and child protection in the African region.
One of the most important results of the Consultation was for the Malawian children. Yoneco Child helpline Malawi opened a child helpline centre in the conference centre during the meeting and advertised the child helpline locally. The calls that were made to the child helpline showed that there is a very high need for children to talk to somebody in trust about the issues they face. More than 350 children called in less than three days. “After the first hundred seconds of installing the line, the phone started ringing”, according to a Yoneco counsellor. In the morning, regional representatives from the Supervisory Board and Taskforces updated the child helplines on developments and future plans for the network and the region. Many issues and questions were raised after the presentations, showing the interest and enthusiasm of the child helplines in the network. Afterwards, child helplines had the opportunity to brainstorm and discuss topics about which they feel passionate in an open space session. Also, child helplines worked on their national plans of action. The Consultation left everybody feeling inspired and full of ideas to take home to their child helpline. With the enthusiasm, joy and commitment the African child helplines have shown, we are confident that the other Regional Consultation that will take place in the coming months will be just as successful. |
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