LCMC BLOGS

By Cynthia Khanijiri As you drive along the Nakuru–Eldoret highway, a familiar scene plays out daily. Very young children line up along the roadside, while some run after cars and public service vehicles selling sugarcane, roasted maize, water bottles, among other things. In the eyes of a passerby, it may seem like a harmless hustle, even an admirable initiative. Those who have a bit of conscience may sympathize with them, and that’s the end of it. As harmless and as insignificant as it may seem, it continues to be a deeper crisis that Kenya continues to normalize, child labor. It’s easy to overlook. After all, millions of children in Kenya attend school, and the assumption that the child labor crisis is under control persists. But if you take a closer look, you will realize that some of those same children will leave class and head to building sites. Others will rise before dawn to sell goods on the roadside, or spend weekends helping parents in quarries, or gold mines. Worse still,...

By: Susan Nzomo   At Loyola Centre for Media and Communications, we empower children to explore the crucial relationship between media and the environment, to help them uncover how storytelling through media can ignite change and amplify their voices for environmental rights. The mentorship sessions offered by LCMC to these children highlight the importance of selecting impactful media channels and examine globally recognized campaigns like Greta Thunberg's 'Fridays for Future,' World wild Fire (WWF) Earth Hour, and Kenya's national Tree Growing Fund initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. These examples are very crucial to illustrate how collective action and strategic media use can push environmental issues to the forefront of public discourse. This hands-on approach aligns with the UN General Comment No. 26 (UNGC-26) on children’s rights and the environment, which emphasizes the right of children to participate in environmental decision-making processe...

By: Susan Nzomo LCMC and NAREC involving the children in advocating for SDGs at the exhibition The Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC), in collaboration with the Nairobi Recyclers (NAREC), recently hosted an exhibition showcasing children’s contributions to environmental advocacy. This event, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12): Responsible Consumption and Production, celebrated youth-led initiatives promoting sustainable products and practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age. The exhibition highlighted projects from students of Nairobi Recycler (NAREC). Among the standout innovations were upcycled products from waste materials, handmade eco-friendly crafts, and sustainable gardening projects. Students from Nairobi Recyclers (Koinonia Community) shared their experiences in plastic waste management, displaying creative items made from recycled materials such as bags, planters, and home décor. LCMC nurturing...

  By: Susan Nzomo LCMC at a tree-planting session with Students from Ofafa Jericho High School The Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC) is at the forefront of empowering children to become environmental advocates by integrating environmental education into school curricula. Through collaborations with institutions such as Edmund Rice Primary School, Edmund Rice High School, Nairobi Recyclers (Koinonia Community), and St. Bhakita Primary School in Mukuru Kayaba, LCMC is nurturing young voices to champion children's ecological rights, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education. At the heart of LCMC's initiative is the belief that children, when equipped with the right knowledge and skills, can drive positive environmental change. LCMC partners with schools to introduce engaging lessons on climate change, waste management, and conservation. These sessions are practical and interactive, incorporating activities such as tree planting, ...

  By: Susan Nzomo LCMC leading Children from St.Bhakita Primary in caring for mother earth during a clean-up session around Mukuru area The recent environmental advocacy event hosted by the Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC) showcased the power of youth in driving change. Children from St. Bhakita (Mukuru Promotional Centre) actively participated in cleanup activities and interactive discussions, demonstrating their dedication to creating a cleaner, greener future. Mukuru Promotion Centre students discussing with our partners at the Advocacy Launch The day began with a heartfelt prayer led by His Lordship Bishop Stephan Turnovszky, who officially launched the advocacy campaign. Though the bishop had to leave early due to health reasons, his blessing set the tone for a day of impactful activities. The children engaged in a lively session with Austrian donors, exchanging stories about their experiences at home, school, and in their communities. Through games an...

  By Suzan Nzomo The Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC) is converting children into potent voices for environmental change. Through hands-on initiatives, strategic partnerships, and faith-driven advocacy, LCMC is bridging the gap between environmental conservation and children's rights. Ms. Suzan Nzomo together with St. Bhakita students and the donors At a recent event, children from St. Bhakita (Mukuru Promotional Centre) gathered with representatives from the Nairobi County Government, the Green Army, and Nairobi Recyclers. The day began with a heartfelt prayer and launch of the advocacy campaign by His Lordship Bishop Stephan Turnovszky from Austria, setting the tone for a day of learning, reflection, and action. Ms. Linda Makau from Africa Climate Peace and Security Solutions addressing the crown at the Launch The highlight of the day? Children actively participated in a cleanup at the Mukuru dumpsite, guided by Nairobi Recyclers. They learned about waste...