Health
CAPRIGHTS-VP Empowers Student Leaders On Child Rights
By Catherine Egwuom
The Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) has advanced the Child Rights Ambassadors Forum in four secondary schools across Alimosho to strengthen child protection.
According to a statement issued by the organisation on Wednesday, the forum was established at Havannah College, Igando; Ipaja Junior Grammar School, Ipaja; Alimosho Junior Grammar School, Egbeda; and Dom Grace School, Idimu.
It equipped students with knowledge, confidence and leadership skills to promote children’s rights, support peers and create safer school environments.
The initiative is supported by The Freedom Fund and funded by the United States Department of State under a programme addressing exploitative child domestic work in Lagos.
CAPRIGHTS-VP developed a Child Rights Manual covering children’s rights, safeguarding principles, personal safety and available support systems.
Working with school counsellors, facilitators used discussions, practical exercises, role plays and real-life case studies to train the students.
The students learnt about children’s rights, child abuse and exploitation, child domestic work experiences, agency building and advocacy.
A Child Rights Ambassador said, “I have learned that every child has rights, and I now feel confident enough to speak up when something is wrong.”
The forum served as a platform for student leadership and peer advocacy, with members promoting respect, inclusion and child protection within their schools.
Members also worked with teachers and counsellors to raise awareness, identify concerns early and guide fellow students towards appropriate support.
The initiative strengthened schools’ ability to prevent abuse, promote wellbeing and protect vulnerable children by empowering students to become part of the solution.
CAPRIGHTS-VP educated students on reporting abuse, neglect, violence, exploitation and exploitative child domestic work.
It also distributed Information, Education and Communication materials, providing continued access to child protection information and referral contacts after the training.
CAPRIGHTS-VP said protecting children was a shared responsibility involving students, teachers, parents and communities.
“Every child deserves to learn in an environment where they are safe, respected and empowered,” the organisation said.
It said the forum would nurture a new generation of young leaders who would champion children’s rights and contribute to safer schools and stronger communities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
