HANCI/SL educates two communities on the CRA
Help a Needy Child in Sierra Leone (HANCI/SL) in teamwork with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs, the Family Support of the Sierra Leone Police, and residents of the Kissy and Blackhall Road communities held a one day’s practicum on the topic: “Child Rights Act of Sierra Leone and its Significance in Community Development”. (Photo: Madam Lois Kamara HANCI’s Programme Manager)
In her statement, the Programme Manager HANCI/Hope and Home for Children Kissy, Madam Lois Kamara told the gathering that the Kissy/Black Hall Road communities are known for a high rate of teenage pregnancy, child labour, child neglect, and a host of abuses faced by children.
She noted her organization’s (HANCI) relentless education of parents and community stakeholders on the issues of Child Rights Act that explains the reduction of the rate of street children and the things that affect children.
She stressed that parents should take heed of the fact that children are vital tools for the physical, spiritual and the economic growth of any community. She emphasized on the fact that parents have pivotal roles to play in tackling the push factors that are responsible for children’s threat in society. She however beseeched parents and guardians to restrict their children on the type of dress they wear, noting that such entice abuses of rape, sexual assault, etc.
Madam Kamara respectfully told the parents and community stakeholders that HANCI has moved from its Active Family Support programme to a Hub system in which children will have amenities of upgrading themselves academically.
She insists that ‘Hub’ is a place where children are educated on HIV/AIDs and the impacts it has to their lives.
In his path, a representative of the Family Support Unit Sierra Leone Police, PC John Romeo Koroma, said the Child Rights Act of Sierra Leone is the guarding principle upon which children in Sierra Leone are nursed.
That persons doing contrary will face the full penalty of the law. He revealed that the trusted place for children the world over is a home that is regulated by loving parents or guardians. “This means that the street is not the right place for children to dwell,” he said.
He explained fully on the essence of families reconciling with their children who might have hurt them in devise ways.
PC Koroma said neglected children are the ones that have grown up to be hard core criminals and are posing a threat to national security.
Rev. Shower of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs, in his statement maintained that spiritual leaders have significant role in child protection.
He stressed that the church should now be embarking on preaching preventive sermons and not sermons that stigmatized victims of abuse and violations.
He revealed that the problem of children moving out of the way can only be addressed through collective efforts.
Madam Mariatu expressed appreciation to HANCI and other stakeholders for their laudable contributions.
It is assured that other communities will soon benefit from such.
By: Femi Coker
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