Child Rights and Parenting Outreach

FAME Foundation, in partnership with Laureus Sport for Good, conducted a Child Rights and Parenting Outreach on November 29, 2025, at the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp in Abuja under the PLAY it DREAM it initiative. The outreach focused on equipping women, girls, and caregivers with practical knowledge to better understand child rights, adopt positive parenting practices, and strengthen child protection within displaced and vulnerable settings.

The program engaged over 70 women and girls and addressed the realities children face in environments affected by displacement, poverty, and limited access to essential services. Participants explored children’s rights to safety, education, health, participation, and emotional well-being, while emphasizing that these rights apply to every child regardless of circumstance. Discussions highlighted how consistent care, emotional support, and respectful communication help children develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of security, even in challenging environments.

A major focus of the outreach was positive parenting and its role in protecting children from harm. Caregivers were guided on non-violent discipline, active listening, and age-appropriate communication as tools for building trust and strengthening parent-child relationships. Emphasis was placed on creating home environments where children feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and report uncomfortable experiences without fear of punishment or blame.

The outreach also addressed gender-based violence and its direct and indirect impact on children and families. Participants discussed how exposure to violence, whether physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual, can disrupt a child’s emotional stability and mental health. The sessions explored how harmful gender norms, inequality, and limited access to education increase vulnerability for girls, often placing them at greater risk of abuse, exploitation, and early marriage. These issues were linked to long-term consequences for children’s development, learning outcomes, and future opportunities.

A key session titled “Raising Safe and Informed Children: Protecting Girls from Digital and Offline Violence” was facilitated by Ms. Folake Oyebade. She provided in-depth insights into the growing risks children face both online and in their physical environments. Topics included cyberbullying, online grooming, exposure to harmful content, as well as physical and emotional abuse within homes and communities. Ms. Folake explained how digital violence can be just as damaging as offline abuse, often leading to fear, isolation, low self-esteem, and withdrawal from social interactions.

She further discussed how prolonged exposure to any form of violence can affect children’s cognitive development, learning ability, emotional regulation, and social skills. Children who experience or witness abuse may struggle with anxiety, depression, aggression, or difficulty trusting others. Participants were encouraged to recognize behavioral changes as possible warning signs and to respond with care, support, and timely intervention.

The session emphasized the shared responsibility of parents, caregivers, schools, and communities in child protection. Participants were introduced to practical prevention strategies, including monitoring children’s online activities, teaching digital safety, setting clear boundaries, encouraging open dialogue, and seeking help when abuse is suspected. Ms. Folake highlighted that early intervention, consistent support, and community awareness are critical to building children’s resilience and helping them reach their full potential.

At the conclusion of the outreach, participants expressed increased confidence in their ability to protect and support their children. Women were equipped with practical tools to promote positive parenting, prevent violence, and create safe, inclusive home environments where children can grow emotionally, mentally, and socially.

The Child Rights and Parenting Outreach under the PLAY it DREAM it initiative strengthened community understanding of child rights and reinforced the importance of protecting children from all forms of violence. The outreach contributed to building stronger families and fostering healthier, more resilient communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.