Stakeholders in Zamfara State have reviewed and validated the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children in the state.
The two-day review and validation exercise was organised by the National Child Protection Network with the support of SOS Children’s Villages, UNICEF, and the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development held in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital.
Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Technical Working Group and Director of Child Development in Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajiya Farida Abdulrazak Tigana, said the review was necessary to strengthen the framework to providing alternative care to vulnerable children in the state.
Hajiya Farida Tagana urged stakeholders to make meaningful contributions by identifying and documenting children whose parents are either deceased, mentally ill, in correctional facilities, or otherwise unable to care for them.
"As many of us are aware, the National Policy on Alternative Care for Children was shared with us since last year, but due to certain challenges, we were unable to domesticate it. However, with the intervention and support of the Child Protection Network, UNICEF, and SOS Children’s Villages who are the facilitators of this meeting we are delighted that this validation exercise has become a reality today"
According to Hajiya Farida, the common goal in the exercise was to guarantee the protection and well being of children who lack parental care or are at risk of losing it.
The Director thanked all the participants for honoring their invitation and for their commitment to supporting the vulnerable children of Zamfara State.
Also speaking, Sheikh Aminu Aliyu Modibbo Gusau called on government and non-governmental organizations to intensify efforts in addressing the plight of street children without parental care.
He further appealed to wealthy individuals in the state to support such children by sponsoring their education, both Islamic and Western.
In their separate remarks, stakeholders emphasized the importance of improving access to healthcare, shelter, education, and other social welfare services for children.
Similarly, Zamfara State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network commended the state government and partners for their commitment to promoting child survival programmes.
Facilitator of the review, Professor Umar Alkali of Maiduguri University, congratulated the stakeholders on the successful validation of the document and appreciated their active contributions during group sessions and presentations.
Participants were drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, religious and traditional institutions, civil society organizations, security agencies, and the media.
