By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government, Friday, entered into a partnership with a Non Governmental Organisation, SOS Children’s Villages, to domesticate the National Guidelines for Alternative Care of Children in the state.
Mrs. Mary Sinjen, Taraba State Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development made the disclosure during a workshop held at the Centre for Initiative and Development in Jalingo, where stakeholders discussed ways to strengthen child protection and provide quality care for children deprived of parental care.
Sinjen noted that the ministry is working closely with SOS Children’s Villages to implement the guidelines and provide training for caregivers and stakeholders.
Represented by the director of child, Mrs. Rebecca Audu, Sinjen said the initiative is expected to enhance child welfare, increase capacity, and promote effective implementation of child protection policies in the state.
She maintained, “This partnership is a significant step towards ensuring that children in Taraba State receive the care and protection they deserve, by working together, the government and SOS Children’s Villages can make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children and promote a brighter future for them,” she said.
Resource person Mr. Julius Penda emphasized the importance of child protection and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the well-being of children in Taraba State.
He noted that the partnership was aims to provide alternative care options, including family-like care, foster care, and residential care, for children in need.
Speaking earlier, Amb. Boniface Koson, State coordinator of Child Protection network while thanking the ministry and stakeholders for their supports explained that the workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to share ideas and best practices on child protection and alternative care.
“This partnership with SOS Children’s Villages is a testament to the government’s efforts to provide quality care and support for vulnerable children,” he said.
Participants included representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders also took turns to praise the organizers for their commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of children in the state.
