Talentplus Resources International (TRI), an NGO, on Saturday in Ikorodu sensitised teachers and security guards to child’s rights and safety in primary schools in Lagos State.
The NGO is supported by Development Research and Project Centre (DRPC), and Ford Foundation.
Mrs. Aderonke K-Eseka, Executive Director, TRI, said their primary objective was to sensitise teachers and head teachers to know that they had the responsibility as co-parents to ensure the safety of children in schools.
K-Eseka noted that the organisation’s mission was geared towards child education, youth development, women empowerment, research, and child’s right in society.
“Some of the things we look at are the safe school declaration and the four pillars of the policy of security and safety.
“We also look at child’s rights, roles, and responsibilities of taking care of these children while they are in school.
“We also look at the evacuation of children in times of emergencies,” she said.
According to the director, the current insecurity challenges in the country are worrisome and students of primary and secondary schools are not left out.
She said that Lagos Safe School Technical Working Group was set up for training and advocacy for head teachers, teachers, and guards in all public schools across the state.
She also appealed to the state government to increase the education budget, set aside funds for school safety and put in place all safety parameters like fences, guards, good toilets, and a conducive environment safe for learning.
K-Eseka advised parents to prioritise nurturing and education of their children, teaching them good morals, provision of basic amenities like writing materials because government alone could not do all.
“Recently, we paid an advocacy visit to the Lagos state government and also looking forward to meeting the local government chairmen and community leaders because the safety of children during school hours is key.
“This is why we are advocating and engaging teachers, school managers, local government authorities, state ministry, and stakeholders in the education sector.
“We want to do more, go into schools to educate them as we have done at the local government area level.
“The Lagos State Government has taken care of 80 percent basic needs of primary school pupils, providing textbooks, uniforms, and shoes; parents should also provide the writing materials.
“We want to ensure that every school in Lagos State conforms to a minimum standard of safe school and conduct pasted on school walls for students to read,” she said.
Mrs. Adeyinka Ajobiewe, a teacher at Owode Primary school, Ibelefun, Ikorodu, commended the organisers and promised to take the advocacy back to her school for assessment and implementation, saying “it’s very educative and impactful”.
Also, Mrs. Ayo Otubamowo, staff at the LGEA Basic Education, urged the NGO to sustain the training so that more schools could benefit and get acquainted with safety measures.
