NGO seeks inclusion of parenting practices in tertiary curriculum

A Non-Governmental Organisation, A Mother’s Love Initiative (AMLi), has said that parenting practices should be included in the curriculum and taught at tertiary levels of education in Nigeria to help bridge knowledge and skills gaps of young adults, who are the next parents.

In a statement, yesterday, by AMLi’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Hanatu Enwemadu, to commemorate the International Day of the African Child, today, with the theme, “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy & Practice since 2013,” emphasised that school systems must review policies to accommodate the concept of play, reduce unhealthy competition and promote social and positive psychological capitals from the early childhood to tertiary level of education.

Enwemadu, whose organisation has been advocating against the “hurried child syndrome,” recommended that psychological assessment and diagnosis of stress in children should be a critical indicator in admission process into primary and secondary schools and must be implemented in both private and public educational institutions in Nigeria.

She noted that the goal of eliminating harmful practices is a daunting task that requires the collective voice of all well-meaning Africans, stressing the need for legal actions that would ensure that certain policies and practices are implemented, while the advocacy is on-going.

Enwemadu, therefore, urged government to establish post marital counselling clinics in each local councils, while workplace policies must be further revised with key attention to the private sector to reduce parenting stress, encourage inclusive and balanced parenting and reduce the drive for employment of under-aged children.