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By: Manoah Kikekon
Training the Trainers: Lagos Youth & Educators Equipped to Protect Child Domestic Workers’ Rights
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| Participants of the workshop |
MAEJT Nigeria for the Welfare of Children and Youth has hosted a transformative workshop on child rights protection and the safeguarding of child domestic workers in Lagos.
Held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the organization’s national office in Badagry, the event brought together volunteers, teachers, and youth advocates committed to ending child labor and abuse.
Tagged Combating the Exploitation of Child Domestic Workers, the workshop aimed to empower trainers who will lead advocacy efforts across Lagos Mainland, Island, and Badagry. These "Youth Accompanies" volunteers embedded in communities will serve as frontline advocates, while teachers will help establish Child Rights Clubs in schools to foster awareness among students.
Elizabeth Odion, National Secretary of MAEJT Nigeria and Program Manager for the initiative, highlighted the workshop’s impact: “We trained 30 dedicated participants today, equipping them to become the voice of vulnerable children. Their mission is to ensure better protection for working children in their communities.”
Mr. Olakunle Sanni, National Coordinator of the Child Protection Network and a key facilitator at the event, emphasized the urgency of intervention: “Child domestic workers often lack parental care, face exploitation, and endure abuse. Their rights are frequently violated, yet they are future adults who deserve dignity. Parents employing such children must treat them as their own send them to school, nurture their growth, and stop exploitative practices like fee payments to their families.”
Mrs. Mariam Kusika, a Youth Accompany for MAEJT, shared her eye-opening experience, “This workshop reshaped my understanding of child protection. I’ve learned how to advocate for children in my community and ensure their safety while also protecting myself. Every child under our care has the same rights as our own; they deserve education or skill development.”
Mrs. Glory Isiodu, another attendee, pledged her commitment: “Today’s training was enlightening. The organizers did an exceptional job, and I promise to champion this cause. I’ve gained crucial insights into fighting child labor, upholding children’s rights, and fostering their development.”
The workshop marks a critical step in MAEJT Nigeria’s mission to eradicate child exploitation and promote inclusive child welfare policies. With empowered advocates now mobilized, the movement seeks to amplify its impact, ensuring no child is left behind.