Help to Stop Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria

Key Components

Venue - Lagos and Abuja FCT

Category of Participants - Secondary School Teachers and Educators

Total number of Participants - 561

Dates of Project

August 27, 2024

September 10, 2024

September 24, 2024

Time

9 am - 3 pm Daily

SGD Goal

SDG Goal 5 – Gender Equality (Targets 5.1, 5.2, & 5.3)

Period

August & September 2024

 Project Summary

 In a concerted effort to address child abuse in Nigerian schools, the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, in partnership with Cummins West Africa Ltd, implemented a targeted training program for teachers across Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This initiative aimed to equip educators with best practices for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse, molestation, and other related offences, emphasizing their impact on child and maternal health.

 The training sessions, conducted on August 27, September 10, and September 24, 2024, provided practical and comprehensive guidance to educators from Lagos State Teaching Service Commission  as well as 11 schools in the FCT. The program empowered 561 educators with critical skills for recognizing, preventing, and addressing abuse, reaffirming Cece Yara’s commitment to safeguarding children and supporting educators as frontline guardians of their safety and well-being.

 Key Training Components

1. Recognition and Prevention: Teachers were trained to identify different forms of child sexual abuse, including physical and digital abuse, and adopt preventive strategies to minimize risks.
2. Sensitive Case Management: Participants learned to detect signs of abuse, approach sensitive cases with care, and take prompt, appropriate actions to protect students.
3. Community Engagement: A teacher-community-based intervention model was introduced, promoting healthier practices, improved professional responses, and active community involvement in prevention, treatment, and referral services.

Outcomes and Impact

• Enhanced Knowledge: Post-training evaluations revealed that 97% of participants demonstrated significant improvement in their understanding of child protection and abuse prevention.
• Empowered First Responders: 79% of teachers expressed confidence in their ability to serve as first responders, providing immediate counselling and support to survivors within their schools.
• Sustainability Recognition: Participants highlighted the critical role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration with school management boards to ensure the sustainability of child protection initiatives.

This collaborative effort between Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre and Cummins West Africa Ltd underscores the importance of equipping educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to protect children. The success of this program reflects the collective commitment to creating safer learning environments and empowering communities to combat the menace of child abuse effectively.

Project Goal and Objectives

 Project Goal:

The goal of this capacity-building intervention for teachers and educators includes:

-          Preventing Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in schools and its host communities indirectly by improving accountability among existing school structures.

-          Preventing Child Sexual Abuse through public education and sensitization of the existing Child Protection laws. Preventing Child Sexual Abuse by empowering teachers on referral pathways on support services to mitigate CSA cases.

-          Reducing the effect of CSA on Maternal and Child Health by upscaling service delivery to survivors of CSA

Project Objectives:

-          Conduct a CSA prevention Education Workshop Program for teachers and educators in Lagos State and Abuja FCT.

-          Strengthen the capacity of Teachers and Educators to identify and respond appropriately to reported cases of CSA in schools.

Reach

561 Beneficiaries

Lagos State– 390

Abuja FCT - 171

Methodology

Facilitation and

Presentation Delivery

To assess the effectiveness of the training intervention, baseline knowledge of participants was gathered before the commencement of the sessions. This data was collected using custom-designed tools tailored to the objectives of the training, particularly focusing on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) awareness and case management within school environments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

At the conclusion of the workshop, end-line data was similarly collected to evaluate the knowledge gained by participants. The data collection and administration were overseen by the Cece Yara Foundation’s Monitoring and Evaluation Team, ensuring consistency and accuracy. These tools captured the participants’ understanding of SGBV dynamics, preventive strategies, and case management practices.

Subsequent to the facilitation and presentations, the baseline and end-line data were analyzed computationally. The analysis revealed a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge of SGBV topics, underscoring the program’s success in equipping educators with essential skills for recognizing and addressing SGBV cases effectively.

 The training was delivered in person by facilitators;

- The facilitators delivered a clear, concise, and interactive message, effectively supported by slide presentations on a screen

- Facilitators used real-life scenarios and case studies to emphasize key points on SGBV topics and cases

- Each presentation was followed by a Q&A session to enhance participants' understanding of the topics

Project Impact

Overview

      561 Teachers and Educators were directly impacted by the Adult and Professional Awareness Program.

       64% of participants were Female

       36% of participants were Male participants

Beneficiaries’ awareness of the prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) increased significantly, with 97% reporting improved consciousness.

       Majority of the beneficiaries – 86% strongly agreed that their skills in identifying signs of child abuse had improved

       Beneficiaries' ability to raise awareness and discuss sexual abuse with children in their schools has significantly improved, with 81% in agreement.

       All beneficiaries are now fully aware of the work of Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center, with 100% strongly agreeing to support the cause to end Child Sexual Abuse.

Training Outcome

      72% of participants have improved knowledge of First Responder counselling needs and training

92% of participants are more aware of SGBV

• 100% of participants have improved knowledge of First Responder counselling needs and training
• 86% of participants have improved knowledge of reporting cases relating to SGBV
• 100% of participants are now aware of Who we are and What we do at Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre

Project Team

-          Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode - Chief Executive Officer

-          Azeez Ajifowoke – Social Worker

-          Shina Oyewole – Accountant

-          Damilola Adewusi - Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist

-          Gbemi Ogunrinde – Psychotherapist

-          Iwo Fejiro - Programs Officer

-          Adeoti Osifeso - Communications Officer

Media Coverage

-          PlusTV

Child Protection: 200 School Educators Participate In Workshop To Combat Sexual Abuse

CHILDS SAFETY PROTECTION EDUCATORS TRAINED TO IDENTIFY, ADDRESS ABUSES       F

-          TVC News https://www.youtube.com/live/A5H00Bu3N-k?si=mQV7-yOhLJyijyGj

-          The Nation Newspaper https://thenationonlineng.net/200-lagos-teachers-trained-on-child-protection/

-          Vanguard vanguardngr.com/2024/08/foundation-trains-200-lagos-teachers-to-confront-spike-in-child-defilement-abuse/

-          Diamondbead Newspaper https://diamondbead.com.ng/2024/09/25/foundation-trains-200-fct-teachers-educators-on-child-protection/

-          Discover Ng https://thediscovererng.com/foundation-trains-200-fct-teachers-educators-on-child-protection/

-           

-          Skye Radio https://skyeradio.com.ng/2024/09/25/foundation-trains-200-fct-teachers-educators-on-child-protection/

Social Media

-          Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/cece_yara/p/DA1MoiaMmDZ/

https://www.instagram.com/cece_yara/p/DABz_JqsMFC/

https://www.instagram.com/cece_yara/p/C_TZ43Os6wC/

-          Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/100064487057964/posts/pfbid0Ci6VQ2QZdeD8o7eDhVATcvQbaGdrcqXo2fviSrmPk2DcxnZoDhuywR59kZkGhCdPl/?

https://www.facebook.com/100064487057964/posts/pfbid0azpFf1Cpk7F6sZF3AeW8mm53N9rmAxwSFrCjJTivuZ2dSGVNBLLc6GuVkfwkNZPYl/?

https://www.facebook.com/100064487057964/posts/pfbid0KG36jsVPbRQ2JsYECVVFChS14KTYMEDbQpsD2MtEMnhS7SkpSjLc5VoMWusemdGnl/?

-          X

https://x.com/cece_yara/status/1836813857861304510?s=46

https://x.com/cece_yara/status/1836119524493426949?s=46

https://x.com/cece_yara/status/1831037183467405644?s=46https://x.com/cece_yara/status/1829601937928671489?s=46

What went well - Feedback from Participants

The feedback from the participants includes:

- The Opinion sharing session was insightful    

- The organization and schedule of the program was excellent

- Use of speakers with good knowledge of the issues of child abuse

- The training model addresses the issue being faced in many schools and among young people

- Case study session and group presentation were interactive and participatory

Area of Improvement - Feedback from Participants

The suggested improvements from participants include:

- Having the program stretch over 2 to 3 days

- Conducting sessions specifically for school administrators

- The unique program can be organized more often to reach more teachers

- Form clubs in schools to engage the children

Challenges and Lessons Learned

1. Delay in approval from the authorities:

- we will improve the relationship and ensure a MOU is signed between us and the education authorities.

1. Participants’ availability:

The provision of funds to cater for transportation was a good addition and it should be sustained for future programs

Testimonials

“I am deeply inspired by the impact of this training and am motivated to organize similar lectures in my village. This will help raise awareness and empower community members to address critical issues like child protection and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) effectively”

- Class Teacher 

“I now feel empowered as an advocate and will be speaking to students on cases of sexual harassment and understand the appropriate channels to report incidents that require further intervention”

- Class Teacher 

“With a good understanding of the importance of reporting, I will promptly report any case of child sexual abuse to the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Foundation”

- Class Teacher 

“I am now prepared to assist an abused child in reporting to the appropriate authorities”

-  Class Teacher 

“I am proud to say that I am now a child advocate, my commitment is to protect and empower children”.

-  Subject Teacher 

Conclusion

The capacity-building workshop for teachers and educators in Lagos State and Abuja FCT was successfully carried out, resulting in measurable improvements in knowledge and skills among all participants. The workshop not only enhanced participants' understanding of child protection but also provided valuable guidance on case handling and the various referral pathways, including referrals to the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre

Recommendations

-          Expansion and Continuation: The capacity-building program for teachers and educators should be extended and scaled up nationwide to reach a broader audience and maximize its impact.

 -          Extended Workshop Duration: It is recommended that future workshops be extended to a minimum of 2 days, further extension can be considered. This will allow for the inclusion of additional modules, further enhancing the depth of knowledge and the effectiveness of the training.

 -          Transportation Support: To ensure broader participation and ease of access, it is suggested that the stipend given to participants to support transportation should be sustained. This will help alleviate the financial burden of travel and encourage more educators to participate.

Pictures

-          Abuja FCT

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10-aJwt_IAkdaMJnkB56E6LkUdfndnXC4

 -          Lagos State

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sPSfsRmoYGt-5lTftUmudHmERUPQYA8

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MyC7PSMWKzz10UBzRLRj-wmybZwKO4j9

Links:

• Visit our website

GLOBAL GIVING Q4, 2024 REPORT

CECE YARA CHILD ADVOCACY CENTRE ENHANCED THE CAPACITY OF 600 TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS IN LAGOS AND ABUJA FCT WITH ESSENTIAL CHILD PROTECTION SKILLS         

In a concerted effort to address child abuse in Nigerian schools, the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, in partnership with Cummins West Africa Ltd, implemented a targeted training program for teachers across Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This initiative aimed to equip educators with best practices for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse, molestation, and other related offences, emphasizing their impact on child and maternal health.

The training sessions, conducted on August 27, September 10, and September 24, 2024, provided practical and comprehensive guidance to educators from Lagos State Teaching Service Commission Districts 5 and 1, as well as 11 schools in the FCT. The program empowered 561 educators with critical skills for recognizing, preventing, and addressing abuse, reaffirming Cece Yara’s commitment to safeguarding children and supporting educators as frontline guardians of their safety and well-being.

Outcomes and Impact

• Enhanced Knowledge: Post-training evaluations revealed that 97% of participants demonstrated significant improvement in their understanding of child protection and abuse prevention.
• Empowered First Responders: 79% of teachers expressed confidence in their ability to serve as first responders, providing immediate counselling and support to survivors within their schools.
• Sustainability Recognition: Participants highlighted the critical role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration with school management boards to ensure the sustainability of child protection initiatives.

This collaborative effort between Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre and Cummins West Africa Ltd underscores the importance of equipping educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to protect children. The success of this program reflects the collective commitment to creating safer learning environments and empowering communities to combat the menace of child abuse effectively.

SAFEGUARDING TRAINING FOR 500 STAFF MEMBERS OF CORONA TRUST COUNCIL

In celebration of its 70th anniversary, the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center partnered with the Corona Schools Trust Council to successfully retrain over 500 teaching and non-teaching staff across all Corona Schools. This initiative was designed to enhance the capacity of educational professionals to prevent, identify, and respond effectively to cases of child sexual abuse.

The training sessions provided participants with comprehensive insights into recognizing the signs of abuse and implementing strategic methodologies for making appropriate reports when abuse is identified. Attendees also gained practical knowledge in offering first-responder counselling, handling disclosures with sensitivity, and ensuring robust protection mechanisms for children.

Key success indicators of the program include:

• Enhance Confidence: Over 80% of participants reported feeling confident in providing first-responder counselling to survivors of abuse.
• Policy Advocacy: The participants highlighted the critical need for periodic reviews of safeguarding policies within educational institutions, aligning with emerging issues such as sextortion, online sexual abuse, and bullying
• Active Engagement: Interactive sessions allowed participants to engage directly with experts from the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center, fostering a deeper understanding of child sexual abuse prevention and response strategies

The program’s success underscores the importance of continuous professional development in safeguarding practices. With this training, the Corona Schools Trust Council has taken a significant step towards creating a safer and more responsive educational environment for every child.

EMPOWERING 180 TEENAGE GIRLS THROUGH SAFE KIDS AWARENESS PROGRAM (SKAP) & LEGAL EDUCATION: A COLLABORATION WITH DLA PIPER AFRICA

Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center, in collaboration with DLA Piper Africa, commemorated Pro Bono Week by providing legal education to teenage girls on sexual and domestic violence. This impactful initiative was held at Girls Academy School, Lagos Island, and aimed to equip 180 students with the essential knowledge to protect themselves and access justice when needed.

The sessions enlightened the students on critical legal aspects, including their rights and remedies under Nigerian law, and how to access care in cases of abuse. Students gained practical insights on establishing body boundaries, recognizing private parts, and the importance of identifying and confiding in a trusted adult. The concept of case reporting was a focal point, ensuring that students understood the pathways to report abuse confidently.

A significant portion of the engagement emphasized the legal framework surrounding child abuse management. Students developed a broader understanding of laws designed to protect them and hold perpetrators accountable, fostering a sense of empowerment.

The program achieved a remarkable milestone: 100% of the participants expressed strong confidence in their ability to report cases of abuse to appropriate authorities. This unanimous commitment underscores the effectiveness of the training and represents a critical growth point. Building on this success, Cece Yara can expand the initiative to reach more schools, integrating advanced modules on advocacy skills and peer-led awareness programs to amplify the impact.

This collaboration between Cece Yara and DLA Piper Africa underscores the power of partnerships in creating informed and resilient communities, ensuring a safer future for every child.

ENHANCING THE CAPACITY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN THE FAMILY SUPPORT UNIT OF THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE (LAGOS STATE COMMAND) IN HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES

Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center conducted an impactful training session for the Police Officers of the Family Support Units (FSUs) within the Nigerian Police Force, Lagos State Command, through its Gender Desk Department. The training was designed to improve law enforcement officers’ expertise and sensitivity in handling child abuse cases, emphasizing best practices for case reporting, prosecution, and management.

Recognizing the critical role of the police in addressing child sexual abuse, the session underscored their constitutional mandate to diligently prosecute offenders and safeguard the rights of children. Law enforcement processes significantly influence judicial outcomes, ensuring timely court hearings and appropriate sentencing of perpetrators under laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Law.

The session sharpened officers’ understanding of their pivotal roles and encouraged them to execute their duties with diligence and integrity. It also fostered dialogue on the need for effective prosecution processes to ensure justice for survivors and accountability for perpetrators.

A standout success was the unanimous agreement among all participating officers on the importance of public enlightenment campaigns by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Officers emphasized that increased public awareness would bolster confidence in the FSUs and Gender-Desk units, leading to more robust case reporting and trust in law enforcement.

Building on this momentum, Cece Yara can partner with law enforcement agencies to launch public awareness programs, focusing on the role of FSUs and Gender Desks. This collaborative effort would bridge gaps in community trust, increase case reporting, and enhance child protection mechanisms across Lagos State.

This training underscores Cece Yara’s commitment to equipping key stakeholders with the tools needed to combat child abuse effectively and uphold justice for vulnerable children.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION: CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, Cece Yara’s centers in Lagos and Abuja hosted impactful events aimed at inspiring and empowering young girls.

In Lagos, 20 girls had the privilege of listening to dynamic speakers who addressed essential topics such as self-confidence, career building, and mental well-being. The engaging sessions encouraged the girls to embrace their potential and strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.

In Abuja FCT, the team partnered with the Woven Impact Network to reach 188 secondary school girls with critical knowledge on sexual abuse prevention and strategies for building a brighter future. The highlight of the event was an inspiring speech competition, which saw the top three participants awarded NGN 100,000 each as financial support for their WAEC fees.

The project outcomes can be summarized below:

• Increased Confidence and Knowledge: Girls in Lagos left the event feeling more confident and equipped with practical tools for their personal and professional growth.
• Empowerment Through Action: The Abuja program directly impacted the lives of the winners, easing the financial burden of their education while inspiring others to aim higher.
• Collaborative Efforts: The partnership with Woven Impact Network showcased the power of collaboration in delivering meaningful change.

Through these celebrations, Cece Yara reinforced its commitment to empowering girls with the skills and support they need to overcome challenges, realize their potential, and become leaders of tomorrow.

CECE YARA EMPOWERS 150 STUDENTS AT FOWMAN COLLEGE WITH SAFE KIDS AWARENESS TRAINING PROGRAM (SKAP)

Cece Yara conducted a Safe Kids Awareness Program (SKAP) at Fowman College, Abuja FCT, equipping 150 students (67% girls and 33% boys) with vital knowledge to protect themselves from abuse. This interactive session aimed to build awareness and confidence among students to recognize and respond to potential risks.

During the training, students were taught:

• The correct names for their private parts, foster a sense of body ownership and understanding.
• How to distinguish between safe and unsafe touch, enabling them to identify inappropriate behaviour.
• The importance of setting body boundaries to maintain personal safety.

The session also highlighted the critical need for students to speak up and report any form of abuse to trusted adults. This approach empowers children to take proactive steps toward their protection, fostering a culture of openness and trust.

The program not only enhanced students’ knowledge but also sparked meaningful conversations among participants and their educators about child safety, paving the way for a safer school environment.

Cece Yara remains committed to delivering impactful programs that equip children with the tools they need to stay safe and thrive.

EDUCATIONAL FIELD VISIT: 10 STUDENTS OF CORONA SECONDARY SCHOOL GAIN INSIGHTS INTO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AT THE LAGOS STATE JUDICIARY

Cece Yara facilitated an educational field visit for students from Corona Schools to the office of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kareem Olanrewaju Alogba. This unique opportunity offered the students a firsthand look into the workings of the judiciary, reinforcing the importance of justice as a fundamental human right.

During the visit, the students were enlightened on:

• The accessibility of the court system and its role in safeguarding their rights.
• The principles of justice and how the legal system functions to uphold fairness and equality.
• The importance of understanding their rights and responsibilities as active members of society.

The visit sparked curiosity and fostered a deeper appreciation for the judiciary's role in promoting justice and protecting rights. This hands-on experience not only broadened their understanding of legal processes but also inspired them to see the legal system as an accessible tool for societal development.

This initiative exemplifies Cece Yara’s commitment to empowering young minds with knowledge, nurturing their sense of justice, and encouraging active citizenship.

Links:

• Visit our website

• Global_Giving_Q4_report_02.docx_27_11_2024.docx (DOCX)