As part of efforts to protect the rights and well-being of children in vulnerable communities, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has taken its sensitisation campaign to out-of-school children in the Akala-Idioro area of Mushin. The initiative aimed at equipping children often excluded from school-based interventions with vital knowledge on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and child protection.
The outreach targeted children in informal communities and street settings, who face heightened risks of exploitation and abuse due to limited access to formal education and protective services. By engaging them within their environment, the agency ensured inclusivity, accessibility, and direct prevention. The interactive session also strengthened community understanding of SGBV while mobilising young people as peer safety advocates.
Representing the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mr. Oluwatosin Emmanuel and Miss Bankole Precious co-facilitated the programme, teaching practical lessons on identifying inappropriate behaviour, the dangers of silence in abuse cases, and the importance of speaking up through safe channels. They also stressed personal boundaries and mutual respect as tools for healthier relationships.
Mrs. L. Nwankwo of the Child Protection Network (CPN) further highlighted the role of community-based structures in supporting children’s rights and providing immediate help in abuse situations. She reassured the participants that trusted organisations exist to protect them.
The session adopted participatory methods such as Q&A, storytelling, and scenario-based discussions, encouraging children to share personal experiences while boosting their confidence to speak openly about sensitive issues. This approach not only deepened the children’s awareness but also gave facilitators insight into their daily realities.
At the close of the programme, many participants expressed relief at having a safe space to address their concerns, with several pledging to apply the lessons in their everyday lives. The exercise also broke barriers of fear and silence surrounding abuse, assuring the children of confidential and accessible reporting channels.
By empowering out-of-school children with knowledge and a voice, the DSVA reaffirmed its commitment to building safer communities and breaking the cycle of violence against vulnerable groups.
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