World Vision Lesotho, FAWE, and the CSO Forum to hold Side Event on the 46th ACERWC Session to Explore the Intersection of Nutrition, Education, and Children’s Rights in Africa

For Immediate Release

Date: 25 November 2025
 

World Vision Lesotho, Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), and the CSO Forum to hold Side Event on the 46th ACERWC Session to Explore the Intersection of Nutrition, Education, and Children’s Rights in Africa

Maseru, Lesotho – In commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), a landmark framework guiding the continent’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, a special side event will be held during the 46th Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) on 27 November 2025.

The event, organized by World Vision, FAWE, and the CSO Forum, will focus on the intersectionality between nutrition, education, and the attainment of children’s rights in Africa. Nutrition and education are two of the most critical determinants of a child’s development, influencing survival, growth, learning outcomes, and empowerment. Malnutrition affects cognitive development and school performance, while lack of education perpetuates cycles of poverty and poor health.

The side event will bring together ACERWC Members, government officials, CSO representatives, development partners, and youth advocates to reflect on progress made over 35 years, highlight persistent challenges, and explore integrated approaches to child wellbeing.

Key discussion areas will include:

• Nutrition as a Right and Foundation for Learning: How undernutrition affects education and long-term development.
• Education as a Tool for Empowerment: Promoting inclusive and equitable education as a pathway to awareness and agency.
• Children as Agents of Change: Spotlighting child-led initiatives, peer education, and participation in decision-making.
• Integrated Approaches to Child Wellbeing: Strategies combining health, education, and social protection.
• Role of CSOs and ACERWC: How civil society and the Committee can work together to monitor, advocate, and support child rights implementation.

“This side event is a timely opportunity to celebrate progress, confront challenges, and chart a path forward where nutrition and education are not only protected rights but powerful levers for transformation,” said organizers.

Expected outcomes include enhanced understanding of the links between nutrition, education, and child rights, practical recommendations for integrated policy responses, strengthened CSO partnerships, and commitments to amplify children’s voices in shaping programs and policies affecting them.

Thirty-five years on from the adoption of the Charter, Africa stands at a pivotal moment to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that every child enjoys a life of dignity, opportunity, and hope.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Reentseng Phephetho 

Communications & Digital Officer
World Vision International Lesotho
reentseng_phephetho@wvi.org
+266 57430126