A one-day sensitization and awareness-building event on ending violence against children organized for school children in Awka has been concluded with a call on the children to always report any such actions for prompt government attention.
The event held on Wednesday, was hosted by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
The event, which happened at Udoka Nursery and Primary School in Awka, is a component of the Women Affairs Minister’s strategy to put a stop to the incessant cases of abuse, harassment and violence against children.
Over ten schools participated in the sensitization and awareness-building event.
In her remarks, the Honorable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, stressed that raising awareness on the issues of violence against children is crucial, not because it’s a recent development, but because it must be stopped.
According to her, such negativities can only stop when the children are taught the appropriate actions to take, when faced with such situations.
Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye who spoke through the Deputy Director, Child Development, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Christiana Oliko clarified that, if child abuse is not addressed, the victims may experience trauma and other psychological problems.
“We have seen children who suffered violence at their formative stages of life grow to become a shadow of themselves. Some even take to vices, like drugs, all in a bid to suppress the trauma they suffered.
“That is why it has become imperative to empower the children to begin to take the necessary actions when they met out such violence against them.
”With the right knowledge, they will be able to take action and prevent other children from falling victim of such in future,” she said.
In their various paper presentations, the Assistant Director, Child Development, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Miriam Shaibu and a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Mr Emmanuel Alhassan, who took the students on Understanding Rights and Responsibilities of Children and Drug Abuse Prevention and Mental Health Issues respectively, all encouraged the students to report any form of violence or abuse for immediate attention.
They also harped on the need for children to understand the dangers of drug abuse and abstain from substance abuse, which could negatively impact their future.
The State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare officials, teachers from the several schools in attendance, and the Speaker of the Anambra State Children’s Parliament, Right Honorable Victory Ekwunife, were all present during the sensitization program.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ representatives gave gifts, held a cultural dance exhibition, and hosted a quiz and drama competition with a focus on abuse against children.
