…awaits stakeholders’ validation
The Child Protection Network, in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ekiti State, with funding support from SOS Children’s Villages has developed a draft of Alternative Child Care Guidelines for Ekiti State.
The draft is expected to be validated by stakeholders and domesticated in the state as a working document.
The draft guideline, carefully compiled by the technical working group inaugurated by the Child Protection Network a few months ago, aims to provide contemporary mechanisms and rules to ensure every child has access to quality parenting, regardless of their situation.
The technical working group comprises representatives from the MDAs, Civil Society Organizations, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders and other key stakeholders in the care and protection of vulnerable children.
During the review of the draft guideline, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Akinwumi Taiwo, commended the technical working group for their work.
She explained that the draft would be carefully studied and domesticated as a working document to provide better upbringing for vulnerable children in the state.
The Resource Person for the drafting of the document, Ms. Oluwaseun Kola-Akinola, stated that the purpose of the guidelines is to support vulnerable children, such as orphans and those whose parents are serving jail terms, to have access to quality parenting.
She noted, “We have shelter homes and orphanage homes in the state that are functioning appropriately. We don’t want children to be defined by their circumstances, which is why these guidelines are being put in place. The goal is to have them placed in a functional home where they can experience parenting.”
In an interview, the Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, Mrs. Oluwatimileyin Adaeze, explained that the program would significantly impact the lives of children in Ekiti State, adding that structures are in place for the project to build upon.
Similarly, Mr. Adeoye Abiodun Charles, the Gender Focal Person, Ekiti SUBEB, said the program is well-orchestrated and aligns with SUBEB’s educational focus.
