DSVA ENGAGES OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN ON SGBV IN LAGOS
Read Time:2 Minute, 24 Second
As part of the Lagos State Government’s continuous drive to safeguard the rights and well-being of children, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) conducted a sensitisation programme with out-of-school children in the Akala-Idioro area of Mushin Local Government of the State.
The programme was specifically designed to provide vulnerable children, who are often excluded from school-based interventions, with life-saving knowledge about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and child protection.
The outreach recognised that children in informal communities and street settings are disproportionately exposed to exploitation and abuse due to limited access to formal education and protective services. By meeting them in their own environment, the agency ensured inclusivity, accessibility, and a direct approach to prevention.
The engagement also served as a platform to strengthen community-level understanding of SGBV and mobilise young people as safety advocates among their peers.
By encouraging discussions in a language and style the children could easily relate to, the session fostered trust and meaningful participation, which is essential in bridging the gap between institutions and vulnerable groups.
The Executive Secretary of DSVA, who was represented by Mr. Oluwatosin Emmanuel and Miss Bankole Precious, co-facilitated the session. They presented practical lessons on identifying inappropriate behaviour, the dangers of silence in abuse situations, and the need to speak up through safe channels. They also explained the importance of personal boundaries and mutual respect in building healthier communities.
In addition, Mrs. L. Nwankwo of the Child Protection Network (CPN) participated actively in the engagement, emphasising the role of community-based networks in ensuring that children are not only aware of their rights but also know where to go for help in cases of abuse. She reassured the children that there are structures and organisations ready to support and protect them when needed.
The facilitators adopted interactive and participatory teaching methods such as question-and-answer sessions, storytelling, and scenario-based discussions.
This approach encouraged the children to express their views freely and gave them the confidence to share personal experiences and concerns. It also provided facilitators with a better understanding of the children’s realities and the most pressing issues they face.
The engagement yielded a positive impact, as participants left with improved knowledge of their rights and stronger awareness of protective measures. Several children expressed relief at having a safe space to discuss issues that affect them directly and promised to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives. The session also strengthened trust between the agency, community stakeholders, and the children themselves.
More importantly, the programme succeeded in breaking down barriers of fear and silence surrounding SGBV. By assuring the children of confidentiality and accessible reporting channels, the facilitators empowered them to become active stakeholders in preventing and reporting abuse. This is critical in building safer communities and reducing the cycle of violence.
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