CPN seek access to quality education, protection of children

The Child Protection Network (CPN) has called on governments at all levels to prevent, protect and assist victims and children exposed to harmful practices. It has said that with access to education these vices will be curbed.

This was the thrust at an event to celebrate African Children with the theme, ‘Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice since 2013’, held at Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, State Secretariat of CPN Lagos.

Speaking at the event, State Coordinator of CPN Lagos, Aderonke Oyelakin, reiterated that educating children lifts them out of poverty. She stated that some of the reasons children go uneducated include having uneducated parents, inability to afford school fees, economic hardship, far distance to the nearest school, or early marriage which may keep girls from the classroom. These and many more barriers to education have made an enormous impact on children, especially girls.

“Although progress has been made since the Soweto Uprising, in South Africa, one in 10 children are still missing from the classroom. We therefore call out to all child advocates to help in ensuring that every child receives quality education.”

She also urged stakeholder to seize the opportunity to take stock of things being done about the adoption of policies and practices and reflect on what more needs to be done to effectively eliminate harmful practices affecting children in Africa especially Nigeria.

Oyelakin outlined harmful practices as child marriage, forced marriage, FGM, breast flattening, hate crimes, child abuse linked to faith or belief and honour-based abuse’ amongst other forms of abuse. ‘Harmful traditional practices are particular forms of violence against women and girls which are defended based on tradition, culture, religion, or superstition by some community members.’

CPN goal is towards the protection and assistance of children at risk and victims of harmful practices in Nigeria. CPN Lagos is a makeup of NGOs with primary focus on welfare and protection of children. They are present 20 local council areas in the state, to prevent and respond to children related issues and provide apt and efficient services.