In a bid to stop child abuse in schools, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) of Lagos State and the Office of Education Quality Assurance have commenced plans to implement the safeguarding and child protection programme.
The Executive Secretary of Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation programme held recently at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, organised to educate Principals, Administrators and Heads of Schools on the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy of the State Government.
In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary said apart from homes and communities, children also experience abuse and exploitation in organisations that provide them with support and services.
According to her, research has shown that physical, emotional abuse and neglect in child-focused organisations and institutions are less systematic and usually unplanned, adding that they stem from poor conditions, bad work practices, and negligent management.
Vivour-Adeniyi added that all child centered institutions must adopt and ensure full implementation of a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
The school representatives and other participants present at the event were given the relevant tools required in ensuring they can effectively establish and implement the policy in their institutions.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, highlighted the need for schools to recognise the role they play in ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children, especially as children spend a significant time of their day in school.
She urged participants to take advantage of the free online course; “Introduction of Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy,” which she noted has been completed by over 10,000 educators.
Two Child Protection Experts and Facilitators at the event, Taiwo Akinlami and Modupeola Saheed-Adebambo, provided an overview of the Executive Order on Safeguarding and Child Protection programme.
Adebambo recommended certain critical measures schools should adopt in ensuring the safety of their students.
She listed the measures to include safer recruitment procedures, adopting a safeguarding policy, having a designated safeguarding officer, and establishing reporting, recording and feedback mechanisms.
The other child protection expert, Taiwo Akinlami, gave an insight into what child’s rights entail, societal and cultural perceptions of children, as well as norms and beliefs that encourage child abuse.
They dwelt on the issue of corporal punishment, while reminding participants of the State Government’s ‘No-Caning’ policy.
The new initiative may not be unconnected to the recent cases of alleged bullying, molestation, and physical assaults on young school children reported in some schools in the state.
According to the state, the programme will be implemented in all education districts.
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