Balancing Children's Rights and Responsibilities at Loreto Convent Msongari
By Ms. Teresia Muia
On January 9, 2025, about 400 students at Loreto Convent Msongari, Nairobi, participated in an enlightening training session focused on the critical relationship between children’s rights and responsibilities. Organized by the Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC), the event emphasized that rights and responsibilities are two sides of the same coin, equipping learners with practical skills to balance them effectively.
“You cannot enjoy rights without acknowledging and fulfilling the responsibilities tied to them,” stated Ms. Teresia Muia, one of the facilitators, as she addressed the enthusiastic learners. While the students initially showed excitement about their rights, they were encouraged to reflect on the responsibilities that come with them, fostering a deeper understanding of their obligations.
A key highlight of the session was a segment on digital safety for children, led by Ms. Joy Kesenwa, LCMC’s Programs Manager. Addressing the growing risks in digital spaces, she urged the learners to prioritize online safety by:
- Protecting personal information.
- Avoiding the sharing of sensitive content online.
- Reporting concerns about cyberbullying or online predation to parents or teachers.
“Avoid sharing sensitive information about yourself online,” Ms. Kesenwa advised. “Never send photos or messages you wouldn’t want others to see. The internet never forgets, and anything shared can be used against you now or in the future.”
By the end of the workshop, the students embraced a balanced view of their rights, openly discussing and committing to responsibilities they would undertake as part of their obligations to themselves, their peers, and society.
This transformative session highlighted the importance of teaching children not just to claim their rights but also to fulfill their responsibilities. The learners left empowered to navigate both their digital and real-world spaces responsibly, embodying the values of good citizenship.
