By Abbas Bamalli
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Save the Children International has commenced a 3-day capacity building training for Katsina Children Parliament on policy making.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised in collaboration with the state department of girl-child education.
Delivering her speech at the event in Katsina, Altine Lewi, the Programme Manager of Save the Children, said that the exercise was meant to prepare the children towards policy making.
According to her, the training will also build their capacity in advocating for things that will improve the lives of children.
“We have noticed that in policy making, the voices of the Nigerian children are not heard. There are no platforms to hear their opinions, so that when policies are being made we also take that into consideration.
“We believe that when we build their capacity, they will be able to engage in the process of policy making, they will voice out, and the government will begin to hear and also use their voices in making plans for the children,” Lewi said.
She added that the project was being funded by the Cuppy Foundation through the Otedola Family to provide health, nutrition, child protection and education support services to adolescent girls in Adamawa, Borno and Katsina States.
Lewi said that the overall focus of the Integrated Health and Nutrition (IHN) project “is to ensure that adolescent girls (aged 10-19 years) in the aforementioned states are healthy, learning and have the agency to determine their future and care for their children.”
In her remarks, Hajiya Jamila Abdu-Mani, Senior Assistant to Gov. Dikko Radda on Girl Child, said the event was a beacon of hope and a testament to the commitment towards fostering a brighter future for Katsina children.
While commending Save the Children, the governor’s aide attributed the success of the initiative to the unwavering support government had been receiving from them.
According to her, the dedication of the NGO to nurturing and protecting the rights and welfare of children serves as an inspiration to the state government.
She added that the programme, which remained a collaborative effort of government and the NGO, was a testament to what could be achieved while working with such partners.
“In this partnership we intend to empower our children, equip them with knowledge, skills and confidence to become leaders and advocates for change within their communities and beyond.
“The programme is more than just an educational initiative, but also a platform for the children to voice out their opinions, to know about their rights and to actively participate in decision making processes that affect their lives and future.
“It signifies our collective commitment to create an inclusive, equitable and supportive environment, where every child can thrive.
“Let us recommit ourselves to the values of equality, respect, and empowerment,” she appealed.
She also stressed the need for synergy amongst stakeholders to ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve his/her full potential, free from constraint of gender, social status or economic background.
NAN reports that the Children Parliament is expected to have a plenary on Thursday at the State House of Assembly complex in Katsina.
NAN
