children's voices 2013

Children’s voices – the 80 million truths about the Children in Pink Africa

Reach for Change operations

Change Leader footprints

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“But think of the children in Africa” adults in the North and in the West used to say when a child didn’t want to finish a meal. The way people outside of Africa think and talk about children in Africa is too often based on stereotypes and an idea of Africa as one country with one homogeneous group of (starving) children.

Malnutrition among children is still a severe problem in many African coun-tries but it does not help anyone to talk about a whole continent, and half its population, only when one wants to tell kids that they should feel guilty about not liking their potatoes and vegeta-bles.

There is an urgent need to counter pre-judices, abandon simplified discourses about “children in Africa” and increase the understanding of the complex situa-tion. This is crucial in order to feel true empathy and make a real commitment to global development.

Half a billion children live in Africa. That means that there are half a billion ways to experience childhood, to dream of the future and to worry about the things that just don’t work well enough in our world to day. 80 million children live in Chad, DRC, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania and Senegal, where Reach for Change operates. As a start we asked 5,000 about their lives. This report is based on their voices.

The respondents of this report come from five countries, in different parts of Africa. They live in rural areas, in cities, on the street and in nice houses. They have different backgrounds and individ-ual truths about what it is like to grow

up in Africa. They have more answers than we have questions and every one of them is just as unique as you and me. However, all the children in Africa have two things in common: they are not allowed to vote and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child protects them.

In this report we present the results of the “Children’s voices” survey. It is built around the idea that adults have an obligation to search for ways to learn what children think and that we need to understand the gaps between children’s rights and reality so that we can act.

Aim and purposeThe aim of this survey is to increase Reach for Change’s knowledge of children’s situation in the countries in which Reach for Change operates. The questions are built around the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.

MethodReach for Change conducted this sur-vey with the support of both global and local partners. Lumen Behavior is the global research and analysis partner. In each country local partners, with great networks of schools or other operations where children gather, distributed the survey. They where instructed to make sure that children where well informed by the purpose and that participation is voluntary and anonymously.

In Chad three partners were involved, in different parts of the country – Change Leader Jean Toningar and his organi-zation Assadec in Sarh, an association of teachers in Ndjaména and a primary school in Abéché.

Children’s Voices 2013

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In DRC the survey was distributed via Change Leaders Naomi and Yvette Kuseyo in Kinshasa, Noëlla Thindwa in Matadi and Sijis Dienga Dikete. A num-ber schools and churches participated as well as other members of the Kinshasa and Matadi communities. For example Complexe Scholaire Bolingo and the Bethesda church.

In Rwanda and Tanzania the distribution was management by Millward Brown Limited, a brand research firm special-ized on Africa.

In Senegal Reach for Change partnered with Cabinet MSI, who led the distribu-tion and facilitation of the survey across the three regions of Dakar, Saint Louis and Louga. A team of four collected a to-tal of 992 completed surveys in a mixture of both urban and rural communities.

The children surveyed Children between 12 and 17 years old were asked to participate in the survey. A few are age 11 or younger, and a few young people are age 18. There are slightly more respondents in the age group 16 and 17 years. There is an equal number girls and boys that answered the survey. There are no significant differences between girls and boys. This means that this survey does not capture any gender related differences.

There are some differences between how the children in the different countries answer but this study is not designed to compare the situation in the countries. Therefor one should not draw to substantive conclusions from the national differences described in this report.

“Children and their future should be at the heart of their decisions”

Girl, 13, Chad

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ResultsThe results of the survey are presented themati-cally. The quotes are captured from the free text answers of the survey. For full frequencies on all questions see appendix 1. There are also country specific frequencies available in appendix 2-6.

Future and inspiration

Most children, 91 %, think that their future will be pretty or very good, but only 79 % feel that they can influence their future somewhat or very much. To have a good job and earn a lot of money is high on the children’s list of dreams for the future.

What do you want to do in the future? 59 % Have a job I like 48 % Become rich 47 % Get a useful education 44 % Start my own company 40 % Love and be loved 34 % Contribute to my community 28 % Become famous 28 % Travel

Who do you look up to the most? 59 % Mum 19 % Dad 4 % A teacher 3 % A football player 2 % A brother or sister 2 % A friend 2 % An actor 2 % A pop star 1 % A child/youth I have met

“I want to have a scholarship to go abroad and study abroad”

Girl, 12, Senegal

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HealthThe cost of health care affects children in the surveyed countries. In Chad 15 % state that they don’t have access to health care and in Senegal 5 % and Tanzania 3 %.

Do you have access to health care when you need it?28 % Easy access 20 % Have access but it is difficult 33 % Have access but it is expensive 11 % Have no access

“Help HIV-AIDS sufferers” Girl, 14, Rwanda

“Take good decisions in order to contribute to child survival” Girl, 18, Chad

School

“I as a child of the street I would ask the govern-ment to look at children living in difficult circum-stances receive basic needs as others. Children who are vulnerable should also receive a better education, because education is a priority in life. I would like the government should consider these factors” Boy, 13, Tanzania

When the children analyze the situation in their countries the issues related to education ends up on top of the list.

“The conditions of sick children should improve”

Boy, 17, DRC

What do you think is the most pressing issues for children?1. Children don’t get an education2. Children live in poverty3. Children get abused4. Children get discriminated5. Children get sick and hurt6. Children don’t get to voice their opinion7. Children don’t have a good family environment8. Children don’t get important information9. Children don’t get the skills they need to provide for themselves

when they grow up10. The natural environment is polluted and bad for children11. Children don’t get to play

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Only five percent of the surveyed children don’t go to school. The children surveyed like school but the results also point out a number of obstacles for a good school performance.

92 % state that school is important78 % think that their teachers are good.

The pupils also appreciate the social network at school.

71 % have fun at school68 % have a lot of friends at school

We let the children chose one activity for a day and a large part chose “go to school” before play.

If you could choose to do anything you wanted for one day, what would it be?

43 % Go to school 13 % Play/hang out with friends 12 % Work 7 % Play soccer/football 5 % Experience nature 4 % Computer games 4 % Housework 3 % Other sports 3 % Watch movies 3 % Listen to music

Worth noting is also that a large share of the chil-dren, 67 %, also come with ideas to their teachers and 64 % think that teachers listen to their ideas.

Simultaneously many children express that they worry about their school-results. 65 % are afraid to fail in school. They point out how they lack material and support from home.

54 % don´t afford the things they need for school44 % lack good school materials44 % don’t get help with homeworkThere are some differences between the countries, in Senegal 53 % state that they can’t afford the things they need for school compered with 33 % in DRC and 22 % in Tanzania.

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The surveyed children want to preform well and they find it fun and inspiring to go to school. On the other hand to many are not given the best possible chance to success.

“I would just like that you speak of the right which says primary school is free. Because the respect of this right will lead to closing of many badly maintained schools (or simply bad ones). Thanks” Boy, 13, DRC

“We need good school supplies. We need computers in schools.” Boy, 17, DRC

“I want to tell the authorities to rebuild our schools so that they are decent (CEM et lycee de Sangalkram) and have them help parents around nutrition problems so that this helps children live normally. And to reduce school fees and to create enterprises in Senegal to reduce unemployment. And finally to reduce import of products from outside we don’t want to depend on the outside for food or other things. Thank you for realizing all my wishes” Girl, 16, Senegal

“We want to change the conditions of our study and life in Chad” Girl, 17, Chad

“I want to ask for help for our school because many things are missing which we need but most of all classrooms and environmental development” Girl, 16, Senegal

“We want to change the conditions of our study and life in Chad” Girl, 17, Chad

“I want to ask for help for our school because many things are missing which we need but most of all classrooms and environmental development” Girl, 16, Senegal

“I want to say to the president to participate in the education of girls”

Girl, 12, Senegal

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Corporates and work experiences

A large share of the children work, but not full time and not always for a company. 39 % work extra or work during the summer and 7 % work/do chores that they get paid for at home. 5 % work and don´t go to school.

The children who work do it because they or their family needs money, 62 %, or to by things that they want, 72 %. Another strong motivation to work is because it is fun and they learn a lot. The children also point out that they learn things at work that will benefit them in the future, 75 %.

The children also list a number of negative aspects of working and describe some serious work environment problems:

23 % Because of my job, I don’t have time for school41 % My job is heavy and makes me tired23 % Other people at work are mean to me40 % There is great risk of getting injuredat my work38 % My job is stressfull

Children are interested and have opinions on corporate life. This is emphasized in the free text answers. 69 % thinks that companies can contribute to a better world. The Children in DRC had higher confidence in companies, 74 % thinks that they can contribute to a better world, com-pered to 53 % in Tanzania.

“Avoid nepotism at work”Girl 17, Rwanda

“Create businesses in all areas of Chad to hire young” Girl, 15, Chad

“Increase civil service salaries”Boy, 14, Chad

“Give us grants to improve our small businesses”

Boy, 17, Chad

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Home

Most children, 78 %, are comfortable at home. But 23 % state that they can’t sleep well in their home and 18 % can’t talk to their parents and siblings. Safety and to spend time with the family are the most important thing to live a good life according to the respondents.

Important for good life81 % Have a place where I feel safe 80 % Spend time with the family 80 % Have food 71 % Play and relax 70 % Have friends 60 % Have cool toys/gadgets

“Instead to taking children to Iwawa (approved schools for undisciplined children) they should take them to schools and watch/track them there” Boy 16, Rwanda

Safety

“We were in school but we did not have any support, that is why we became what we are now. People call us “Children of the Street”. We do not want to hear that. When does the street have a child? It seems that the state is proud to see us be-ing abused, and all the time the police bother us.” Girl, 14, Chad

Many children, 27 %, have felt afraid of an adult the past year. The numbers differs between the countries, 21 % in DRC and 55 % Chad. Over all, 19 % have felt afraid of another child or youth.Other things that children worry about are:

51 % That you don’t have enough money for what you and your family needs39 % That there will be war39 % That someone will destroy your things39 % That others will be mean to you because of who you are in love with35 % That an adult will hit you 35 % That you/your family will be forced to move out of your home31 % That someone will read your texts /messages on the internet/diary30 % That you will be sexually harassed27 % That others will think you are ugly25 % That other children/youth will hit you

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The children where asked about discrimination phrased as “have you been treated unfair because of…”. The most common ground of unfair treatment is the children’s financial situation.

I have been treated unfair because of: 22 % My financial situation 21 % My age 19 % Where I live 18 % How I dress 17 % My religion 17 % What I look like 15 % Who my parents are 15 % What language I speak 14 % My gender 14 % My ethnicity 12 % A handicap/Being differently abled

A large part, 22 %, of the surveyed children report that they have been bullied by other children/youth. But peer relations are also valued and 36 % state that another child youth have helped them when they have had a problem.

“The Congolese state should help youth find jobs after their studies. The state should end the war in Eastern DRC. The state should take its responsibil-ity on the kuluna phenomenon (gangsters)” Boy, 18, DRC

“Fight against rural depopulation, desertification and against ethnic discrimination” Girl, 18, Chad

“Many children are abused. Rural regions are no exception with great violence against children with disabilities, who have particularly of the skin, eyes, legs and so on. So ask the village and work to prevent such discrimination.” Girl 13, Tanzania

“Fight against poverty”

Boy, 14, Chad

“Fight rape!”

Girl, 16, Rwanda

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Nature

Children are highly affected of natural disasters and there is a large part of the surveyed children that worry about being exposed to one. They are also concerned about how the nature will be affected in the future.

44 % I am worried that a natural disaster will happen near me

47 % I am worried that the nature around I won’t be as healthy in the future

“I want to ask the governor to put garbage dispos-als in the city. Avoid tree cutting. Preserve nature. To build hospitals and schools” Girl, 16, DRC

“Help the government fight against erosions, construction of roads, construction of sewers” Girl, 17, DRC

Participation

“Accelerating the dialogue between parents and children, and between students and teachers” Boy, 16, Chad

One of the fundaments in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is that children have the right to get and share information in a way they can understand and with easy access. Children also have the right to form and express their own opinions. Children have the right to participate and have adults listen to their opinions when making decisions that affect children.

“Help the government fight against erosions, construction of roads, construction of sewers”

Girl, 17, DRC

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There is a gap between how much the children are allowed to participate in decision-making around all the subjects we asked about.

“Personally I’d like society to support poor children, NGO:s, abandoned kids and orphans, to reeducate them” Boy, 13, DRC

“In the future I’d like for this survey to be in the form of a book. I like Children’s Voices and Reach for Change as it improved our intellectual and moral capacities” Boy, 13, DRC

“Something that I’d like from governments and companies is that children are given opportunities to be involved in the family to the community in matters that concern them and society as a whole” Girl, 13, Tanzania

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a. What you learn in school

b. What the school

environment looks like

c. How things work and look

at home

e. What you do in your free

time

h. How money is used in your

community

d. Which friends you can hang

out with

g. Who is elected to make

decisions

f. What it looks like your

neighborhood

Want

Can

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Internet and Telecommunication

The children were asked about if and how they use the internet and mobile phones. The results show that our sample have assess to the internet in a much larger extent than the overall population. In our sample 47 % have assess to the internet and according to Human Development Report 2013 only 1-16 % of the population in the current coun-tries have assess to internet.

The children have mostly positive experiences from using the internet. They have found important information, expressed opinions and shared things they have created. There are also negative experi-ences reported, other children have written mean things and a number of children been exposed to adults crossing the lines.

Have any of the following happened when you used the Internet?38 % I have found information that was important to me25 % I have expressed an opinion 21 % I have gotten support when something felt difficult 17 % I have been able to share something I have created, for example music or a poem 14 % An adult I don’t know has contacted I and wanted to meet me/start a relationship with me10 % Someone my age has written something I felt was offensive/mean

In the surveyed group 63 % have a mobile phone. They use it mainly to call and text but there are also a large share that use it to send or receive money and other more recently offered services.

What do you use the mobile phone for?59 % Call 44 % Listen to music 37 % Play games 36 % Text 32 % Internet 26 % Facebook/social media 25 % Take photos 21 % Send or receive money 11 % Buy things

“Invest in ICT amongst children”

Boy, 15, Rwanda

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Reflections for Future Studies The results of this survey will be of great value to Reach for Change and the future operations in Africa, and will be used on a number of levels in the organization in order to make smarter, more informed decisions.

However, this survey does not capture the gen-dered aspects of growing up. For future studies it would be valuable to integrate a clear gender perspective.

By conducting surveys regularly Reach for Change will have an unique possibility to analyze changes that happens over time and keep up to date with the most pressing issues for children. The fact that Reach for Change have strong network and ac-cess to deep knowledge about the context will strengthen those analyzes.

To develop the survey in a relevant way children should be involved in the research process and it is of importance that lessons learned from this survey are used to further develop the knowledge about the lives of children in Africa.

Children’s voices 2013[Chad, DRC, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania]

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HOW OLD ARE YOU?

Frequency Percent

Girl 2611 49%

Boy 2591 48%

I chose this box instead 56 1%

D.M 116 2%

Total 5374 100%

GENDER

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS FOR CHILDREN IN YOUR COUNTRY?

1 Children don’t get an education

2 Children live in poverty

3 Children get abused

4 Children get discriminated

5 Children get sick and hurt

6 Children don’t get to voice their opinion

7 Children don’t have a good family environment

8 Children don’t get important information

9Children don’t get the skills they need to provide for themselves when they grow up

10The natural environment is polluted and bad for children

11 Children don’t get to play

Frequency Percent

11 or younger 171 3%

12 533 10%

13 636 12%

14 701 13%

15 818 15%

16 961 18%17 887 16%

560 10%106 2%

18 years or older Data Missing (D.M)Total 5373 100%

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Frequency Percent

Mum 3175 59%

Dad 1012 19%

A brother or sister 113 2%

A teacher 226 4%

A friend 106 2%

A child/youth you have met 34 1%

A football player 153 3%

An actor 111 2%

A pop star 92 2%

Someone else. 192 4%

D.M 161 3%

Total 5375 100%

WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO THE MOST?

Frequency Percent

Very bad 80 1%

Pretty bad 167 3%

Pretty good 1233 23%

Very good 3827 71%

D.M 74 1%

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR FUTURE WILL BE LIKE?

Frequency Percent

Very little 261 5%

A little 561 10%

Somewhat 1155 21%

Very much 3098 58%

DM 299 6%

Total 5374 100%

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU CAN INFLUENCE YOUR FUTURE?

Frequency Percent

Have a job you like 3167 59%

Contribute to my community 1843 34%

Get a useful education 2512 47%

Start your own company 2373 44%

Become rich 2565 48%

Become famous 1528 28%

Love and be loved 2150 40%

Travel 1483 28%

Something else 646 12%

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO IN THE FUTURE?

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Frequency Percent

Easy access 1517 28%

Have access but it is difficult 1085 20%

Have access but it is expensive 1796 33%

Have no access 574 11%

D.M 402 7%

Total 5374 100%

DO YOU HAVE A PLACE TO TURN TO IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR HEALTH?

RATE HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL:

Frequency Percent

Don’t agree at all 232 4%

Don’t agree much 157 3%

Mostly agree 461 9%

Completely agree 4130 77%

D.M 394 7%

Total 5374 100%

SCHOOL IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU

Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 1368 25%


D.M 552 10%

Total 5372 100%

THE CLASSROOMS ARE NICE

Frequency Percent





D.M 545 10%

Total 5373 100%

YOU HAVE GOOD TEACHERS

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Frequency Percent





D.M 618 11%

Total 5373 100%

YOU HAVE FUN AT SCHOOL

Frequency Percent





D.M 611 11%

Total 5374 100%

YOU ARE AFRAID TO FAIL IN SCHOOL

Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 349 6%


D.M 658 12%

Total 5373 100%

YOU DON’T LIKE GOING TO SCHOOL

Frequency Percent





D.M 599 11%

Total 5373 100%

YOU HAVE ACCESS TO GOOD SCHOOL MATERIALS

Frequency Percent





D.M 640 12%

Total 5374 100%

YOU CAN AFFORD THE THINGS YOU NEED FOR SCHOOL

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Frequency Percent





D.M 657 12%

Total 5373 100%

YOU GET HELP WITH YOUR HOMEWORK

Frequency Percent





D.M 621 12%

Total 5374 100%

YOU HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS IN SCHOOL

Frequency Percent





D.M 681 13%

Total 5371 100%

YOU COME WITH IDEAS TO YOUR TEACHERS

YOUR TEACHERS LISTEN TO YOUR IDEAS:

Frequency Percent





D.M 682 13%

Total 5374 100%

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IF YOU HAVE A JOB, RATE HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT YOUR JOB:

Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 460 9%


D.M 2656 49%

Total 5374 100%

YOU WORK BECAUSE YOU/YOUR FAMILY NEEDS THE MONEY

Frequency Percent





D.M 2815 52%

Total 5373 100%

YOU WORK BECAUSE IT IS FUN OR BECAUSE YOU LEARN A LOT

Frequency Percent

You work extra/work during the summer 2083 39%

You don’t work at all 1721 32%

You work and don’t go to school 241 4%

You do chores that you get paid for at home 350 7%

D.M 979 18%

Total 5374 100%

WHICH OF THESE STATEMENTS ABOUT WORK BEST DESCRIBES YOU?

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Frequency Percent





D.M 2780 52%

Total 5373 100%

YOU WORK SO THAT YOU CAN BUY THINGS THAT YOU WANT

Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 463 9%


D.M 2839 53%

Total 5371 100%

BECAUSE OF YOUR JOB, YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THE LEISURE ACTIVITIES YOU WANT TO DO

Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 266 5%


D.M 2856 53%

Total 5374 100%

BECAUSE OF YOUR JOB, YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR SCHOOL

Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 472 9%


D.M 2876 53%

Total 5374 100%

YOUR JOB IS HEAVY AND MAKES YOU TIRED

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Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 312 6%


D.M 2910 54%

Total 5373 100%

OTHER PEOPLE AT YOUR WORK ARE MEAN TO YOU

Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 409 8%


D.M 2898 54%

Total 5369 100%

THERE IS GREAT RISK OF GETTING INJURED AT YOUR WORK

Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 450 8%


D.M 2952 55%

Total 5376 100%

YOUR JOB IS STRESSFUL

Frequency Percent





D.M 2878 54%

Total 5375 100%

YOUR JOB IS FUN

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Frequency Percent



Mostly agree 468 9%


D.M 2785 52%

Total 5375 100%

YOU LEARN THINGS AT WORK THAT WILL BENEFIT YOU IN THE FUTURE

Frequency Percent

Yes, very much 2519 47%

Yes, somewhat 1211 23%

Maybe, not really 912 17%

Not at all 432 8%

D.M 299 6%

Total 5373 100%

DO YOU THINK THAT COMPANIES CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A BETTER WORLD?

Frequency Percent





D.M 174 3%

Total 5374 100%

YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AT HOME

RATE HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT YOUR HOME:

Frequency Percent





D.M 328 6%

Total 5372 100%

YOU CAN BE ALONE WHEN YOU WANT TO

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Frequency Percent





D.M 248 5%

Total 5374 100%

YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR PARENTS OR SIBLINGS

Frequency Percent





D.M 244 5%

Total 5373 100%

YOU CAN SLEEP WELL

Frequency Percent





D.M 264 5%

Total 5371 100%

YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE FOOD YOU EAT

Frequency Percent





D.M 307 6%

Total 5374 100%

YOU COME WITH IDEAS TO YOUR PARENTS

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Frequency Percent





D.M 284 5%

Total 5375 100%

YOUR PARENTS LISTEN TO YOUR IDEAS

Frequency Percent

Not important at all 234 4%

Not that important 703 13%

Important 567 11%

Very important 3704 69%

D.M 166 3%

Total 5374 100%

SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE FOLLOWING FOR YOU TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE:

Frequency Percent



Important 1502 28%


D.M 382 7%

Total 5375 100%

HAVE COOL TOYS/GADGETS

Frequency Percent



Important 1131 21%


D.M 310 6%

Total 5375 100%

HAVE FRIENDS

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Frequency Percent



Important 612 11%


D.M 282 5%

Total 5374 100%

HAVE A PLACE WHERE YOU FEEL SAFE

Frequency Percent



Important 656 12%


D.M 296 6%

Total 5375 100%

HAVE FOOD

Frequency Percent



Important 1007 19%


D.M 309 6%

Total 5374 100%

PLAY AND RELAX

Frequency Percent

Your gender 752 14%

Your ethnicity 771 14%

Your religion 931 17%

Your age 1130 21%

Where you live 1022 19%

Your financial situation 1181 22%

Who your parents are 781 15%

What language you speak 781 15%

How you dress 950 18%

A handicap / You are differently abled 622 12%

What you look like 917 17%

THINK ABOUT THE PAST YEAR. HAVE YOU BEEN TREATED UNFAIRLY BECAUSE OF…

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Frequency Percent

Another child/ youth has bullied you 1181 22%

An adult has bullied you 1357 25%

You have felt afraid of another child/youth 1021 19%

You have felt afraid of an adult 1458 27%

Another child/youth has helped you when you have had problems

1922 36%

An adult has helped you when you have had problems

2945 55%

THINK ABOUT THE PAST YEAR. HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED?

RATE HOW MUCH YOU WORRY ABOUT THE FOLLOWING:

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1107 21%

A little 1127 21%

Somewhat 840 16%

A lot 1921 36%

D.M 374 7%

Total 5376 100%

THAT YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEYFOR WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY NEEDS

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1914 36%

A little 1144 21%

Somewhat 826 15%

A lot 1035 19%

D.M 456 8%

Total 5375 100%

THAT AN ADULT WILL HIT YOU

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Frequency Percent

Not at all 2409 45%

A little 816 15%

Somewhat 513 10%

A lot 1110 21%

D.M 527 10%

Total 5375 100%

THAT YOU WILL BE SEXUALLY HARASSED

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1973 37%

A little 841 16%

Somewhat 574 11%

A lot 1540 29%

D.M 445 8%

Total 5373 100%

THAT THERE WILL BE WAR

Frequency Percent

Not at all 2053 38%

A little 958 18%

Somewhat 628 12%

A lot 1277 24%

D.M 458 9%

Total 5374 100%

THAT YOU/YOUR FAMILY WILL BE FORCED TO MOVE OUT OF YOUR HOME

Frequency Percent

Not at all 2145 40%

A little 1109 21%

Somewhat 790 15%

A lot 868 16%

D.M 463 9%

Total 5375 100%

THAT SOMEONE WILL READ YOUR TEXTS/MESSAGES ON THE INTERNET/DIARY

Frequency Percent

Not at all 2567 48%

A little 993 18%

Somewhat 676 13%

A lot 660 12%

D.M 479 9%

Total 5375 100%

THAT OTHER CHILDREN/YOUTH WILL HIT YOU

30

CH

ILD

RE

N’S

VO

ICE

S 2

013

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1720 32%

A little 1075 20%

Somewhat 818 15%

A lot 1252 23%

D.M 507 9%

Total 5372 100%

THAT SOMEONE WILL DESTROY YOUR THINGS

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1723 32%

A little 1078 20%

Somewhat 873 16%

A lot 1236 23%

D.M 464 9%

Total 5374 100%

THAT OTHERS WILL BE MEAN TO YOU BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH

Frequency Percent

Not at all 2331 43%

A little 1078 20%

Somewhat 710 13%

A lot 762 14%

D.M 492 9%

Total 5373 100%

THAT OTHERS WILL THINK YOU ARE UGLY

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1461 27%

A little 926 17%

Somewhat 751 14%

A lot 1785 33%

D.M 452 8%

Total 5375 100%

THAT SOMEONE WILL HURT YOUR SIBLING / PARENT / FRIEND / PET

31

CH

ILD

RE

N’S

VO

ICE

S 2

013

Frequency Percent

Play/hang out with friends 707 13%

Go to school 2283 42%

Play soccer/football 390 7%

Other sports 150 3%

Housework 196 4%

Work 649 12%

Computer games 224 4%

Watch movies 144 3%

Experience nature 279 5%

Listen to music 138 3%

D.M 215 4%

Total 5375 100%

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO DO ANYTHING YOU WANTED FOR ONE DAY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

RATE HOW MUCH YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT NATURE:

Frequency Percent


Don’t agree 875 16%



D.M 374 7%

Total 5373 100%

YOU ARE WORRIED THAT A NATURAL DISASTER WILL HAPPEN NEAR YOU

Frequency Percent





D.M 499 9%

Total 5374 100%

YOU ARE WORRIED THAT THE NATURE AROUND YOU WON’T BE AS HEALTHY IN THE FUTURE

32

CH

ILD

RE

N’S

VO

ICE

S 2

013

Frequency Percent





D.M 474 9%

Total 5374 100%

YOU CAN SPEND TIME IN NATURE

Frequency Percent





D.M 474 9%

Total 5374 100%

YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT NATURE AND ANIMALS

HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF DECIDING THE FOLLOWING:

Frequency Percent

Not at all 446 8%

A little 726 14%

Somewhat 734 14%

A lot 3065 57%

D.M 404 8%

Total 5375 100%

WHAT YOU LEARN IN SCHOOL

Frequency Percent

Not at all 510 9%

A little 1082 20%

Somewhat 1363 25%

A lot 1846 34%

D.M 571 11%

Total 5372 100%

WHAT THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT LOOKS LIKE

33

CH

ILD

RE

N’S

VO

ICE

S 2

013

Frequency Percent

Not at all 471 9%

A little 1117 21%

Somewhat 1348 25%

A lot 1815 34%

D.M 624 12%

Total 5375 100%

HOW THINGS WORK AND LOOK AT HOME

Frequency Percent

Not at all 621 12%

A little 1315 24%

Somewhat 1038 19%

A lot 1791 33%

D.M 608 11%

Total 5373 100%

WHICH FRIENDS YOU CAN HANG OUT WITH

Frequency Percent

Not at all 508 9%

A little 1171 22%

Somewhat 1262 23%

A lot 1858 35%

D.M 576 11%

Total 5375 100%

WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1087 20%

A little 1159 22%

Somewhat 1107 21%

A lot 1408 26%

D.M 614 11%

Total 5375 100%

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

34

CH

ILD

RE

N’S

VO

ICE

S 2

013

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1007 19%

A little 1185 22%

Somewhat 1143 21%

A lot 1409 26%

D.M 631 12%

Total 5375 100%

WHO IS ELECTED TO MAKE DECISIONS

Frequency Percent

Not at all 820 15%

A little 1031 19%

Somewhat 1057 20%

A lot 1932 36%

D.M 535 10%

Total 5375 100%

HOW MONEY IS USED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

HOW MUCH ARE YOU ALLOWED TO BE A PART OF DECIDING THE FOLLOWING:

Frequency Percent

Not at all 812 15%

A little 764 14%

Somewhat 828 15%

A lot 2472 46%

D.M 496 9%

Total 5372 100%

WHAT YOU LEARN IN SCHOOL

Frequency Percent

Not at all 847 16%

A little 1178 22%

Somewhat 1238 23%

A lot 1430 27%

D.M 680 13%

Total 5373 100%

WHAT THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT LOOKS LIKE

35

CH

ILD

RE

N’S

VO

ICE

S 2

013

Frequency Percent

Not at all 686 13%

A little 1067 20%

Somewhat 1328 25%

A lot 1543 29%

D.M 750 14%

Total 5374 100%

HOW THINGS WORK AND LOOK AT HOME

Frequency Percent

Not at all 713 13%

A little 1146 21%

Somewhat 1048 19%

A lot 1692 31%

D.M 776 14%

Total 5375 100%

WHICH FRIENDS YOU CAN HANG OUT WITH

Frequency Percent

Not at all 615 11%

A little 1125 21%

Somewhat 1162 22%

A lot 1743 32%

D.M 729 14%

Total 5374 100%

WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1387 26%

A little 1218 23%

Somewhat 997 19%

A lot 983 18%

D.M 789 15%

Total 5374 100%

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

36

CH

ILD

RE

N’S

VO

ICE

S 2

013

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1440 27%

A little 1109 21%

Somewhat 1004 19%

A lot 1059 20%

D.M 762 14%

Total 5374 100%

WHO IS ELECTED TO MAKE DECISIONS

Frequency Percent

Not at all 1333 25%

A little 999 19%

Somewhat 899 17%

A lot 1457 27%

D.M 686 13%

Total 5374 100%

HOW MONEY IS USED IN COMMUNITY

Frequency Percent

Search for information 2322 43%

Play games 1222 23%


Watch videos 872 16%

Do things adults don’t let you do 346 6%

Talk or write to friends 1677 31%

Talk or write to people you don’t know 740 14%

Make new friends 1237 23%

Read news or what is happening around you 1550 29%

Express your opinions 1340 25%

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO DO ANYTHING YOU WANTED FOR ONE DAY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Frequency Percent

Yes 2505 47%

No 2601 48%

D.M 269 5%

Total 5375 100%

DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET?

37

CH

ILD

RE

N’S

VO

ICE

S 2

013

Frequency Percent

You have expressed an opinion 1325 25%

You have been able to share something you have created, for example music or a poem

918 17%

You have gotten support when something felt difficult 1152 21%

You have found information that was important for you 2038 38%

Someone your age has written something you felt was offensive/mean

553 10%

An adult you don’t know has contacted you and wanted to meet you or start a relationship with you

750 14%

HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED WHEN YOU HAVE USED THE INTERNET?

Frequency Percent

Yes 3368 63%

No 1669 31%

D.M 335 6%

Total 5372 100%

DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A MOBILE PHONE?

Frequency Percent

Call 3192 59%

Text 1930 36%

Internet 1735 32%

Facebook/socialmedia 1401 26%

Buy things 593 11%

Send or receive money 1135 21%

Play games 2001 37%


Take photos 1366 25%

WHAT DO YOU USE THE MOBILE PHONE FOR?

Funded by SIDA

Distributed in Chad, DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania and Senegal

Project coordination, research and analysis: Lumen Behavior

Layout: Pondus Kommunikation

children's voices 2013

Documents

idea of africa

africa adults

childrens voices survey

different parts of africa

change leaders naomi

country local partners

global research

different backgrounds