If parents force you into prostitution, what can you do?”, “If a child is being violated by his/her parents or teacher, does the child have the right to report to security agents? “asks Obi Daniella, a student at Caro Favoured College during the CRACO: END VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN” seminar on Wednesday 22nd February 2018.
In preparation towards the launch of the National campaign to end violence against children and in view of the rising cases of violence especially sexual violence against children in most schools, CRACO seeks partnership with schools in Lagos state who are going to be co-owners of the project.
CRACO President Barr. Joseph Igwe
The president of CRACO Barr. Joseph Igwe introduced the school children to what their rights and responsibilities were, he also addressed them on the prevalence of violence which includes- sexual, Physical and emotional violence in our society. He passionately spoke on the recent cases of children going through violence in schools and at home and encouraged them to speak up, report to trusted elders, either parents, teacher, principal, the police or to CRACO if they encounter or whenever they witness or hear of any case of violence around them .
Students Participating at the Seminar
CRACO Speakers at the event
The session was very enlightening and interactive with the students asking intelligent and relevant questions. Some of the questions asked by the students include:
- If my step mother is abusing me and my father continues to tell me to have patience, what can I do?
- Is it bullying if my class captain shouts at me?
- In expressing my rights to “freedom of movement”, what if my parents refuse me from going somewhere I’d like to go to?
- How can I help a child who is hawking and going through abuse?
- What do I do if involved in sexual abuse?
Going by the above questions, you would agree that child abuse and violence against children is a hushed crime going on and these children need someone to listen to them and a friend to help them. Which is why, CRACO is committed to informing, educating and revealing our children to these disastrous issues, creating an opportunity to talk about it, giving them the basic tools to protect/defend themselves and organizations where they can be helped and their future made brighter. Barr. Igwe reassured the children of support from CRACO and contact information on where we can be reached both online and offline were given to the children.