Women Foundation Urges Schools to Bolster Child Protection, Pupil Empowerment

By Jenifer James

The Women Foundation for Humanity has called upon teachers, school authorities, and community stakeholders to strengthen child protection measures and create more opportunities for pupils to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

This appeal follows a school debate at JCC Gondokoro, which provided children with a platform to express their views and build confidence.

Amos Abiria, Program Officer for the Women Foundation for Humanity, told the media on Monday that the debate at JCC Gondokoro offered pupils a crucial opportunity to build confidence, enhance communication and public-speaking skills, and discuss issues relevant to children.

“Today’s debate has been an important learning opportunity for the pupils of JCC. The competition gave them a safe platform to express their views, build confidence, and improve their communication and public-speaking skills,” Abiria stated.

He noted that the pupils demonstrated their ability to discuss complex issues, including gender-based violence, child protection, child marriage, and the rights and responsibilities of children.

“Through such debates, pupils are able to understand that they have a voice and that they can contribute to positive change in their schools and communities,” he added.

Abiria encouraged pupils to continue advocating for their rights and protection beyond the debate.

“What you have discussed today should not end here. Let it continue. Continue speaking for your rights; continue advocating for your protection,” he urged.

He also implored teachers and other stakeholders to listen to pupils, protect their rights, and provide opportunities for them to participate in decisions that impact their lives.

Abiria specifically called on teachers not to remain silent when pupils are at risk, urging them to report abuse and other harmful practices affecting children.

“Protecting children, especially school-going pupils, is not the responsibility of one person, but it is a collective responsibility of each and every one of us,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, he encouraged pupils to maintain their confidence, continue learning, and speak up for what is right.

“Your voice matters a lot. Continue speaking, continue learning, and continue standing up for what is right. You are not only leaders of tomorrow; you are important members of your community,” Abiria concluded.

Meanwhile, James Lado Joseph, Director of Studies at JCC Gondokoro, commended the Women Foundation for Humanity for its consistent presence and support to learners. He noted that the organization’s involvement has motivated pupils to remain committed to their education and understand their rights.

Joseph explained that the organization’s regular presence has instilled confidence and motivation in the learners. “I’m so very glad to see you always here because it is now giving faith to our learners to be strong and making our learners to know they are right also,” he said.

He highlighted the particular importance of the discussion, as it focused on equality and the rights of both boys and girls.

“If you are a boy, you need to know that you are equal with the girls. And if you are a girl, you need to know that you have to know your rights,” Joseph stated.

Joseph also encouraged learners to recognize their diverse talents and work collaboratively, emphasizing that collective efforts are crucial for building a stronger community.

“We all have a different right and we have a different talent, but if I’m using my talents alone, I will not even do it. But when we join our hands together, we succeed,” he remarked.

He acknowledged the dedication of the teachers, asserting that schools cannot raise a new generation without support from the wider community and organizations.

 “We as teachers here, alone with our energy and ability, we cannot raise such kind of generation, a very large generation in the community like this,” Joseph said.

Finally, he expressed appreciation for individuals who travel long distances to reach the school, viewing their presence as a testament to their commitment to supporting learners and the broader community.