By Nna Anulumadu
In a bid to create a society free from child abuse and drug abuse, members of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Dunukofia region of Onitsha Archdiocese embarked on a school-to-school sensitization programme against child labor and drug abuse last week.
The sensitization programme took members of the commission to primary and post-primary schools in the region, where school children were enriched with knowledge on how to avoid being abused sexually, physically, and otherwise. JDPC instructors tutored them on the need to be bold and report any form of abuse they may be facing to their parents and teachers.
The school children were also advised to say no to drug abuse and disassociate themselves from friends who may influence them into taking hard drugs. Speaking during the programme, the JDPC Chairman Dunukofia region, Br. John Iwuanyanwu, revealed that the commission embarked on the sensitization exercise to abate rising cases of child labor, child abuse, and drug abuse in society.
He eulogized the Director of JDPC Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Edwin Udoye, for his quality leadership role that has brought about positive changes in society. The School Principal of Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, All Saints Parish Nkpor-Agu, Mrs. Helen Anojuru, and the Head Teacher of Seat of Wisdom Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Maria Menankiti, thanked JDPC for the thought-provoking sensitization.
They posited that the programme would go a long way in addressing current cases of child labor and drug abuse in society and urged the government to assist the commission financially and otherwise to ensure the continuity of the life-changing programme.
The Head Teacher of All Saints Primary School 1 Nkpor-Agu, Mrs. Chinweobim Udechukwu, commended the church and the commission for the ongoing sensitization, stating that it has shown the church’s commitment to sanitizing society of child labor and drug abuse.
The Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, All Saints Parish Nkpor-Agu, Br. Vincent Mary Atuorah, extolled JDPC for engaging school children with lectures on avoiding abuse. He charged parents to monitor their children regularly and ensure no form of abuse occurs in their homes.
He further admonished parents and guardians living with other people’s children to avoid abusing such children under their care, rather train them with love. If they find it difficult to groom them, they should send them back home instead of molesting and abusing them.
