By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The Rule of Law And Anti Corruption (ROLAC) in collaboration with Anambra State Ministry of Education has resolved to fight all forms of child abuses, even as child rights clubs have been established in selected schools across across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
Implementation partners include, Child Protection Network (CPN), Anambra State Child Rights Implementation Committee (ASCRIC) and Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SAC).
To achieve expected objectives, seven secondary schools and seven primary schools have been chosen from child abuses endemic areas in the state in line with the State Child Rights Law 2004, Disability Rights Law and Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law.
Speaking during an advocacy visit and establishment of the club at Urban Girls Secondary school, Fegge, Onitsha, Mr Emeka Ejide,ROLAC Consultant, said concerted effort must be to protect children from neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuses.
He explained that the move was an indication of the commitment of the bodies to eradicate rising cases of child abuses and sensitise stakeholders of child rights law as the best interest of the child must be of paramount consideration.
Inaugurating the club, Mr Ejide, a Child Development Expert, noted that the club has been structured to comprise of 40 students per school, adding that they should know their rights and how to protect them.
” We have come to enlighten them of their rights, privileges and obligations. The essence of the club is to provide a platform where they can report any form of abuse, share their feelings and challenges for action. We have successfully established the club in Anaku, Amanuke, Umunze, Okpoko and Fegge”
Reacting, the Principal of the School, Mrs Bibian Onwuka and Staff Leader of the Club, Mrs Patricia Asuzu pledge to work for the success of the life saving initiative for a better society.
