Children’s day: A child must be protected from abuse, violence and discrimination – Comrade Oreoluwa tells parents, Govt.
.…As comrade Saviour Iche speaks on the role of the government to the Nigerian child
By Onome Naomi
Comrade oludotun oreoluwa ,youth coordinator of alimosho axis gave a speech on children’s day to celebrate the precious gift of childhood and to enlighten on the significance of child’s right.
She said children are the most valuable members of the society and it is the responsibility of parents and the government to ensure their well being , protection and development. Every child deserves to grow up in an environment that fosters potentials , respect their rights and nurture their dreams.
Oreoluwa also said child human rights are universal and fundamental, they provide a foundation for the development of every child regardless of their race, gender , religion or social background. This rights encompass various aspects of child life including their right to survive, be protected, education and social participation.
Reflecting upon some key principles that hold the corner stone of child human right, Oreoluwa noted that every child has a right to live, survive and develop, children should have access to adequate nutrition and health care services and a safe environment. They must be protected from abuse, violence, any form of discrimination that hampers their growth, development and well being, the children also deserve the chance to reach their full potential and live devinly.
In continuation, she said education is another aspect of human right, every child has the right to get quality education that equips them with knowledge, skills and opportunity for the future. Education is not just about aquiring academy knowledge it’s also about fostering creativity, critical thinking and social skills. By investing in the education we invest in the future of our children and empower them to become active and responsible citizen.
Moreover child’s human rights encompass the importance of child voice and participation in the matter that affect their life. Children should be given the opportunity to express their opinion be heard and be involved in the decision that concerns them. A space for dialogue should be created to encourage their participation in community activities and promote their rights to freedom of expression.
The respect and value of their perspective will surely empower them to be agent of change in their own life and society at large.
Child human right also addresses the issue of child labour. Every child has rights to be protected from labour practices , hazardous condition. We must try to eliminate child labour and ensure that children are given the opportunity to pursue their education and engage in age appropriate activities that contributes to their personal development. A responsible adult should compulsorily as a duty uphold child’s right in all circumstances. Govt. Policy makers, community and family must work hand in hand to create an environment that promote and protects their rights. We need stronger laws and adequate resources to address the challenges faced by children. Education and awareness are keys to foster a culture that respects and upholds child human rights, Oreoluwa noted.
Therefore let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguard the rights of every child, let us strive to build a world where every child can build a safe, nourishing and inclusive environment. Today we ensure that every child right is respected , protected and fulfilled whereby laying the foundation for a better and more equitable future…on this children day let us celebrate joy and potential of every child as we unite in our effort to make child human rights a reality for every boy and girl around the world, she said.
Comrade Saviour Iche Founder of AMPEF, a human rights organization gave a little throw back Information of his childhood memories, said children’s day is a day of celebration as a child, it is usually a day children look forward by making small small savings as well as token from parents to have enough for the day’s celebration. Children observes holidays on this day with a lot of activities from schools like march past with the attendance of governor of the state or the local govt chairmen or govt dignitaries. Schools organizes competitions as part of the activities and a winner will emerge.
He stated that, those days were more fun than now for children. Due to govts failure in the educational system, the numerous
private schools now emulate the old times but do not have the prerequisites to fit into the shoes of the public school to actualize the celebration which use to be chaperoned by public schools.
Comrade Iche said:
“This private schools have denied the children the right facilities to aid developmental and physical skills.
The government should look into bringing back liveliness to the primary and secondary educational sectors where by children can get facilities for mental and social development also.
Countless number of children are dropping out of school due to overcroud, the government should build more schools instead of allowing unfacilitated and mushroomed private schools. Many private schools are in a deplorable state not suitable for the Nigerian child to study and this is failure on the part of the government.
The children have the right to free education but the reverse is the case in Nigeria. The Nigerian child is able to realise that there are issues of unemployment during an interview session, the children tells govt to create jobs for their parents so as to have a better life.
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On this note, comrade Iche calls on the govt in state and federal level to do something to savage the problem of increase of dropouts due to lack of resources from the parents to fund his/her ward’s education. There is need for creation of more schools and quality teachers across the nation for the Nigerian child to get good education.
