Children's Peace Prize projects

The International Children's Peace Prize is accompanied by a prize of 100,000 Euro. This is given by KidsRights to concrete projects in the spirit of the commitment of the young winner. The project contributes to the mission of the winner and has positive impact on his or her environment.

2009: World Vision, Tanzania

The 2009 winner, Baruani Ndume, lives in the Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania, set up for refugees from the DRC. Baruani’s wish was for the 2009 prize money to be invested in a project which would improve the lives of children both inside and outside the refugee camp and would bring the two communities closer together. Therefore, the goal of the project is to improve the confidence and competence of children in primary school, both in Nyarugusu refugee camp and in surrounding host villages. The schools promote the development of children’s potential and talents through, for example, sports and cultural activities. To create more understanding between children from the refugee camp and children of the hosting communities, interschool competitions are organised. An additional joint effort between children from the refugee camp and children from the surrounding villages is the making of a monthly radio show during which children’s rights issues are addressed. The radio show airs both in the refugee camp and in the hosting communities. Baruani is of course helping as an expert in this part of the project. With his experience in making his own radio show, he can help the other children to use this broadcasting platform to advocate for children’s rights.

2008: IBISS, Brazil

The prize money for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2008 funded two projects against social exclusion of children and youngsters in the favelas (slums); “Favela Força on tour” and “Vila Cruzeiro on-line”. Mayra’s theatre group, Favela Força, makes its own productions around themes that are current for children and youngsters who live in the favela Vila Cruzeiro. By means of theatre, children and young people are informed and educated about their rights.

With the project ’Vila Cruzeiro On-Line’, IBISS, the organization that nominated Mayra, wants to break the chain of neglect, marginalisation, social exclusion and violence that a lot of children and young people in the favela have to endure. It provides children from the slum the opportunity to increase their technological knowledge and gives them the opportunity to use new means of communication. This way, they strengthen their message of peace, their right to education and access to the labour market.

2007: The Jack CECUP School and Hodi, Zambia

The prize money of the International Children’s Peace Prize 2007 funded two projects:

The Jack CECUP School, where Thandiwe, winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize 2007, received her primary education, has been expanded with two new classrooms, so more children can benefit from an education.

Furthermore, Hodi, a Zambian organization, specialized in helping villages to improve their self-sufficiency, assists communities in their development and in the organization of community activities. Homes for teachers and classrooms have been built in villages where many children worked for the tobacco industry. Thanks to the new classrooms and facilities, children who would have otherwise taken on jobs, are now able to go to school.

2006: STOP Foundation, India

The prize money for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2006 went to STOP Foundation in India. STOP is an organisation that rescues girls from brothels in New Delhi. After the girls are rescued, they receive shelter and are supported to reintegrate into society. Through the International Children’s Peace Prize, all girls in the shelter older than 14, received a training in making bags and jewellery. This helps them reintegrate into society and thereby diminishing the risk of being (sexually) exploited again.

2005: Nkosi's Haven, South Africa

To mark the occasion of the dedication of the first International Children’s Peace Prize in 2005 to Nkosi Johnson, KidsRights is supporting Nkosi’s Haven: the project for mothers with aids and their children, which Nkosi and his foster mother, Gail Johnson, started during his short lifetime. Nkosi's Haven offers joined care to mothers with aids and their children. The mother’s role in the life of her children, is preserved as far as possible. The children at Nkosi's Haven also receive a good education, from nursery through to high school.