By Nna Anulumadu
Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Dunukofia region on Thursday, June 27th toured primary schools in Nkpor, Idemili North local government area, sensitizing children on ways to avoid being abused by their parents , guidians and strangers.
The regional president Mr John Iwuanyanwu said the sensitization progamme was part of the activities of the commission to mark this year United Nations world day against child labour child, abuse and molestation.
The president who spoke to pupils at United primary school Nkpor, advised them to report any molestation and sexual harassment emanating from their homes to their teachers or parish Catechists for proper intervention. He admonished parents and guidians to disengage themselves from any act that may constitute any kind of abuse and molestation on children since the commission will not take it light with any person found guilty of such offence. He poured encomiums on the director JDPC Onitsha Archdiocese Rev Fr Edwin Udoye for facilitating the good work of the commission and assisting in achieving their set goals and objectives that are transforming our society.
Also, the chairman of the sensitization committee Mr Attanatius Anyanwu in his contribution urged children not to hesitate in reporting any person trying to lure them into sexual act. ” If your madam is maltreating you, report to your teacher or to your Parish catechist who will then inform us of the case for proper handling”.
The secretary of the committee, Mrs Anacesthia Chibuzor who spoke to Trinitas Newspaper also encouraged children to speak up and report cases of abuse to parents, teachers and church workers in order to get justice. She enjoined parents and guidians to help in protecting the right of children under their care because the church, JDPC, and schools are now ready to fight for them. “Even if they are not your biological children but they are living with, you must treat them as your own biological children,” she warned.
The head mistress United primary school 3 Nkpor Agu Mrs Christiana Obuegbe who spoke to press commended JDPC for extending the sensitization progamme to her school, stating that it will go along way to curtail child abuse in our society. She urged parents and guidians to join hands in protecting the right of children that are being abused consistently.
