Beyond the Classroom Foundation (BTCF) has officially kicked off a new cycle of the Community Empowerment Against Violence and Abuse (CEAVA) project, running from August 2023 to August 2024. This initiative focuses on addressing the alarming rise of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) at the primary school level in Nigeria.

CEAVA, originally launched in December 2022, made significant strides in supporting children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Abuja. With successful collaboration between government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and traditional leaders, the first cycle of CEAVA made a strong impact. However, the urgent need to deepen this impact has become clear due to the increasing number of unreported cases of SRGBV in primary schools.

This new cycle of CEAVA, led by BTCF’s founder, Raquel Kasham Daniel, is a direct response to this crisis. Working closely with local community groups in Karonmajigi and Kabusa, Abuja, the foundation is designing a comprehensive policy document on SRGBV aimed at achieving two critical goals. The first goal is to establish and enforce clear policies against SRGBV. These policies will include strict consequences for perpetrators and will be communicated effectively to students, teachers, and parents to ensure everyone is aware and vigilant. The second goal is to design a confidential reporting mechanism. In collaboration with relevant government bodies, BTCF will set up confidential reporting systems. These systems will empower students and staff to report incidents of violence without fear of retaliation, ensuring that no case goes unnoticed or unaddressed.

During the event’s opening, a reporter spoke with a teacher who wished to remain anonymous. The teacher shared a disturbing account of a young girl who was abused by a teacher in primary school. The case went unreported due to the girl’s age and fears about the impact on her future. This story underscores the critical need for the work BTCF is doing.

Mrs. Folashade Akinwunmi, a Pharmacist and member of the Advisory Board of Beyond the Classroom Foundation, also spoke at the event. She highlighted the importance of this project, noting that while sexual violence in secondary schools receives attention, the issue at the primary school level is often overlooked. “This project is timely and essential,” she said. “It’s about time we shine a light on the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society.”

Raquel Kasham Daniel, the founder of Beyond the Classroom Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for action: “We cannot afford to remain silent when our children’s safety is at stake. Every child deserves a safe learning environment, free from violence and abuse. With CEAVA, we are committed to breaking the silence, challenging harmful norms, and creating a future where every child, especially at the primary school level, is protected and empowered.”

Together, we can protect our children and secure their future.