The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has extended its sensitisation efforts to out-of-school children in Akala-Idioro, Mushin, as part of its ongoing campaign to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable groups.
The outreach, held within the community, was designed to provide children outside the formal education system with crucial knowledge on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and child protection. According to the agency, children in informal settlements and street settings face heightened risks of exploitation and abuse due to limited access to education and protective services.
By meeting these children in their own environment, the DSVA sought to ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and a direct approach to prevention. The programme also aimed to mobilise young people as peer advocates for safety while strengthening community-level understanding of SGBV.
Speaking at the session, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, represented by Mr. Oluwatosin Emmanuel and Miss Bankole Precious, highlighted the importance of equipping vulnerable children with practical knowledge. They taught lessons on identifying inappropriate behaviour, the dangers of silence in abuse situations, and how to report safely. The facilitators also stressed the value of personal boundaries and mutual respect in fostering healthier communities.
The Child Protection Network (CPN) also participated, with Mrs. L. Nwankwo underscoring the role of community-based systems in safeguarding children. She encouraged participants to speak up when abused and reassured them that supportive structures and organisations exist to protect their rights.
The engagement featured interactive methods such as storytelling, question-and-answer sessions, and scenario-based discussions, which encouraged active participation and gave facilitators insight into the realities children face in the community. Many children shared personal experiences and expressed relief at being provided with a safe space for dialogue.
Organisers noted that the programme had a positive impact, with participants leaving more knowledgeable about their rights and protective measures. The children pledged to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives, while facilitators emphasised the importance of breaking the silence around abuse and ensuring access to confidential reporting channels.
The DSVA said the initiative reflects Lagos State’s broader commitment to protecting all children, regardless of their schooling status, while building safer and more resilient communities.
