As I reflect on six years as Executive Director of Child Helpline International, I am filled with gratitude, pride and inspiration. It has truly been a remarkable journey for me, one that has shaped me in ways I could never have imagined, and allowed me to work alongside some of the most dedicated, passionate and inspiring people I have ever met. My time here has not only been a profound learning experience but also a testament to the power of collaboration, determination and – most importantly – the belief that every child deserves to be heard.
When I first joined Child Helpline International, I couldn’t possibly have predicted just how much I would learn in the subsequent six years. From my very first day it became abundantly clear to me just how much of a pivotal role child helplines play in child protection systems worldwide. These vital services are often the first and sometimes the only lifeline for children in distress, and witnessing the profound impact they have on young lives has been both humbling and motivating.
Throughout my time here, I’ve had the privilege of travelling around the world, meeting incredible people who are as passionate as I am about making the world a safer place for children. Together with the Supervisory Board, our team, our members and our partners, we’ve accomplished so much, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve been able to achieve. We’ve strengthened our network with new members and partners, produced many unique data reports and trainings, and laid the groundwork for the future with an ambitious Multi Annual Strategic Plan for 2025-2030. This new plan is designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges children face today, including mental health issues, violence against children and technology-faciliated child sexual exploitation and abuse.
But beyond these milestones, there have been invaluable personal learnings and beliefs that have deepened throughout my tenure. First and foremost, one of my core beliefs throughout my time at Child Helpline International is that no child should ever be left unheard. I’ve come to firmly understand that listening to children and young people is the foundation of any effective child protection system. I’ve always felt strongly that children and young people should not only be protected but also empowered to take an active role in decision-making, both in their communities and in the governance of organizations that aim to serve them. Their perspectives are invaluable in shaping policies and programmes that truly meet their needs.Without understanding their voices, needs and experiences, we cannot possibly hope to protect them. In this sense, child helplines are not only essential in offering immediate support, but also play a crucial role in informing policy and systems change.
Another important lesson I’ve learned is the significance of sharing good practices – and, just as importantly, sharing what didn’t work. In our field, experimentation and reflection are necessary for growth, and by learning from both successes and challenges, we can constantly improve. A good example here are the advantages and disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence in the field of child helpline services.
Perhaps one of the most powerful insights I’ve gained is the importance of collaboration. Systems change in child protection is not something any one entity can accomplish alone. It requires the collective effort of civil society, government, donors and the business sector. Working together as one global community, we can not only achieve change, we can achieve change that is lasting.
Looking back on some of the defining moments of my time here, I am especially proud of our response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In a time of unprecedented challenge, our network of child helpline members rallied together, finding innovative ways to ensure children and young people continued to receive support. I will also always remember our programmes related to the war in Ukraine, which ensured that our members could provide essential services to children and families affected by the crisis. Several Regional Consultations across the years, and the International Consultation in Stockholm in2022, were also highlights, bringing together voices from all corners of the globe to share insights and forge new paths forward.
I am incredibly proud of how far the network has come over the past six years. When I first stepped into this role, the organization was already strong, but through shared efforts, we’ve built a network that is now in a much better place than when I began. I am delighted that this growth and impact will continue into the future – Dr. Philip Jaffé has taken over as the new Chair of our Supervisory Board, with Alisa Simon as Vice Chair, and Helen Mason, our Director of Operations and Partnerships, will act as Interim Executive Director for the coming months. I have every confidence that the organization is in capable hands, and I am excited to see what the future holds under their leadership.
As I prepare to step into a new role with CARE Netherlands in April 2025, I am filled with a mixture of emotions. It has been a true honour and an absolute pleasure to work with so many dedicated people across the Child Helpline International network. Together, we have accomplished remarkable things for children and young people around the world, and I will always be deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this fantastic work.
The family of Child Helplines will always hold a very special place in my heart.
With my deepest appreciation and gratitude,
Patrick
Patrick Krens
Executive Director, 2019–2025
