Raising a No-Corruption Generation
Children's Mission Africa
A continent where families live lives in dignity.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, corruption is dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.
Last week Barnmissionen hosted the No Corruption Generation (NCG) Summit. It was an event that brought together all Children's Mission Sweden partners from across the globe to discuss the pertinent corruption issue and how to raise an anti-corruption generation. Several solutions and practises were shared like advocacy through arts, drama, filmmaking and anti-corruption education. What does it take, however, to raise a no-corruption generation?
To start with, corruption encompasses a wide range of unethical and dishonest behaviour in various aspects of society, not limited to financial transactions. It involves the abuse of power, position, or authority for personal gain or to benefit a particular group, often at the expense of the greater good or the rights of others. So corruption, therefore, is not just about money. There are several ways we could be engaging in corrupt practices that may not be obvious through the money lens.
Corruption undermines trust in institutions. For CMA, we take it seriously because it makes it difficult to do the work that will help us fulfil our vision, a continent where families live lives in dignity. We, led by CM Sweden Secretary General Bo Wallenberg, have decided to take the horse by its reins and do our part. The CM partners agreed that to raise up this generation, we ought to start with the younger ones therefore no-corruption generation targets youth and children. Aside from education and advocacy, which are already being done, here are other things we could do to teach each other (children and adults alike) about anti-corruption.
Choose to be the only incorrupt person in the room and make your stance boldly known.
Take part in community service and volunteer work and show children the benefits of helping others and making a positive impact on society. Participate in local anti-corruption initiatives or support organizations that work towards transparency and accountability.
Teach children how to tell the difference between credible sources and misinformation. Discuss how corruption can be perpetuated through fake news and propaganda through the internet.
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Encourage youth and children to get involved in student councils, school governments, youth organizations, or community groups where they can learn about governance and civic responsibility, especially with regard to anti-corruption.
Inform people about the importance of reporting corruption when they encounter it. Ensure they understand what whistleblowing is and how they can be protected.
There are several ways you can contribute to the anti-corruption fight. We encourage you to also learn about corruption outside the context of money and striive to rid yourself of any practices you may be knowingly or unknowingly perpetuating. CMA joins CM Sweden in visualising a world where families live in dignity. Can we count you in this cause?