By Lilian U. Okoro
The Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP), has reiterated its commitment to the fight against exploitative child domestic work in the country.
The Centre made this known on Thursday in Lagos, as it inaugurated its maiden Child Rights Champions’ Forum at Alimosho.
The initiative, supported by the Freedom Fund with funding from the United States Department of State, provided a safe and empowering platform where young students were equipped to advocate for children’s rights within their schools and communities.
Following the successful inauguration at Alimosho Grammar school, the initiative was extended and held at Havanah College in Igando, and Millennium School in Egbeda.
The centre explained that the programme ensured consistent learning, strengthened peer relationships, and enhanced the advocacy capacity of the students across the participated schools.
It said that each forum session also included teachers and school counsellors, who played pivotal roles in guiding discussions, supporting participants, and reinforcing the shared responsibility of the school community in safeguarding children.
It added that the sessions featured a range of impactful activities, including a compelling drama portraying the lived realities of exploited child domestic workers, short partner-produced skits that highlighted real-life experiences, as well as a storytelling session by a survivor.
“Through these activities, students deepened their understanding of the inherent dignity and rights of every child, while gaining practical skills to identify unsafe situations, support vulnerable peers, and speak up against abuse and exploitation,” the centre said.
To enhance child protection reporting systems, CAPRIGHTS-VP introduced participants to safe and confidential reporting platforms, including the toll-free child protection line – 0800 800 8001, and the Talkam App, enabling lnstudents to report abuse/exploitation without compromising their safety.
The centre affirmed that the Child Rights Champions’ Forum would continue to be expanded across other schools in Alimosho, building a strong network of empowered young advocates committed to protecting the rights and welfare of all children especially child domestic workers.
“At CAPRIGHTS-VP, we believe that informed and empowered young people become the strongest voices for lasting social transformation,” the organisation said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
