National Orientation Agency-NOA in collaboration with Kaduna State Government and UNICEF have organised a sensitization and establishment of violence against children-vac clubs in ten selected schools in the three metropolitan local government areas of the state.
The local government areas are Kaduna North, Kaduna South and Chikun.
Addressing Students of Habek international Schools gbagyi villa in Chikun LGA, State Director of the NOA- Mallam Zubairu Galadima Soba explained that the exercise was in response to the rising spate of insecurity especially as it relates to children, with a view to curbing the ugly menace.
Represented by Mr Yusuf Muhammad Balarabe, the State Director, who recalled the unfortunate incident that led to the kidnap of students of Bethel baptist school in July last year, noted that the sensitization exercise was also aimed at enlightening the students about what constitute violence against children and how to overcome it.
In her remark, Principal of the School, Mrs Charity Omolugwu expressed delight over the selection of her school among schools for the exercise.
She urged the students to say no to any form of violence metted against them and speak up on the matter no matter the status of the person involved.
Mrs Omolugwu added that the school is doing everything necessary to report cases of violence against children where necessary, to the appropriate authority to stem the tide.
Some of the students who spoke to Radio Nigeria pledged to enlighten their fellow students on the need to rise against violence against children.
Highlight of the event was an interactive session with the students by representatives of NOA and UNICEF, as well as induction of selected students as violence against children club ambassadors.
Usman Sani.