NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 17 – Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) has unveiled its new ListenUp! Global Strategy, which aims to prevent and stop the exploitation of children by 2030.
The strategy, launched during the ‘Better Together’ Africa Region Strategy Launch event, focuses on empowering children and communities while addressing the root causes of exploitation.
The ‘ListenUp! Strategy’ prioritizes co-creating scalable, evidence-based solutions that lead to systemic change rather than short-term fixes.
By working directly with children, policymakers, and child rights advocates, TdH NL seeks to foster sustainable interventions that address key issues such as child labour and sexual exploitation of children, especially in humanitarian settings.
Raphael Kariuki, Africa Regional Director for TdH NL, stressed the importance of this comprehensive approach during his speech at the launch.
“Child exploitation deprives children of their rights and their future. We need to make children feel safe and that their voices are not only heard, but that the duty bearers will protect them when called upon,” he said.
He emphasized that collaboration is crucial in achieving these goals, noting, “we strongly believe that we are better together in preventing and stopping child exploitation. We invite you to join us in this journey, as we promise to remain a bold, human-centred, responsible, and playful organisation.”
Key stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, and child rights networks, joined the strategy launch, underscoring the importance of a multi-sectoral approach.
Participants discussed the need for systemic change and explored innovative projects from Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. These initiatives highlighted how communities can be mobilized to protect children and drive meaningful change.
Three thematic programs were introduced at the launch—Humanitarian Action, Sexual Exploitation of Children, and Child Labour. These programs will guide TdH NL’s efforts to provide long-term solutions that ensure children are safeguarded against exploitation.
Since its founding in 1965, TdH NL has worked to protect children from violence, trafficking, sexual exploitation, and harmful labour.
With this new strategy, TdH NL continues its legacy of advocacy, pushing for a future where all children can thrive without fear of exploitation.
