The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has advocated for respect and protection of children’s rights in Adamawa State.
The Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzrat Rafique, made the call during a one-hour live discussion program on NAS FM Yola, Adamawa State.
During the discussion program monitored by our correspondent, Dr. Rafique said UNICEF is working closely with the Adamawa State Government to address child-related challenges, particularly the out-of-school phenomenon.
She described the out-of-school children syndrome as a significant challenge, with many children missing out on education due to various reasons, including poverty, early marriage, and child labor.
Dr. Rafique, who expressed deep concern over the development, said that during the week, UNICEF engaged traditional leaders in an effort aimed at promoting education in Adamawa State.
She explained that the event was designed to create awareness about the education priorities of the state government and to engage traditional leaders in promoting education within their communities.
According to the UNICEF Chief, the engagement was held in two phases: the first took place in Numan, with six royal highnesses participating, while the second was held in Yola, where traditional leaders represented five local government areas.
She noted that UNICEF believes traditional leaders can play a crucial role in sensitizing parents and communities about the importance of education, hence their engagement.
Dr. Rafique also spoke about interventions such as the Global Partnership for Education Accelerated Funds and the Education Cannot Wait project, which are aimed at addressing the out-of-school phenomenon and improving the quality of education in the state.
The collaborative engagement with UNICEF and traditional leaders is a significant step towards addressing the out-of-school children syndrome in Adamawa State
