MAEJT Nigeria for the Welfare of Children and Youth has launched a targeted training initiative for community watch groups across Lagos State.
As part of the program to protect child domestic workers from maltreatment MAEJT trained 30 community watch groups with the aims to empower local stakeholders with the tools to detect, document, and report maltreatment of child Domestic Workers.
Held over three days 27th, 28th, and 30th June 2025 the intensive workshops took place in the catchment areas, including Olowogbowo (Lagos Island), Makoko (Lagos Mainland), and Ahovikoh (Badagry). Participants included community leaders, youth advocates, Community vigilante groups, and MAEJT members, all united in their mission to safeguard children’s rights.
The training focused on practical skills, from recognizing signs of abuse to navigating legal reporting channels. Facilitators covered Nigeria’s child protection laws, evidence-gathering techniques, and community awareness strategies.
Attendees learned how to report cases to authorities like the Social Welfare Office, Nigerian Police Child Protection Desk, and MAEJT Nigeria for swift intervention.
Mr. Akonasu Gbedozin, the lead facilitator, stressed the need for vigilance and collaboration: "Exploitation thrives in silence. By training communities to act as first responders, we’re building a frontline defense for these children." Interactive exercises simulated real-world scenarios, reinforcing rapid response tactics.
Participants left the sessions with a renewed commitment to action. Many vowed to monitor households, educate neighbors, and advocate for policy enforcement. "No child should suffer in silence. We’ll ensure every case is exposed," vowed a community leader from Makoko.
This initiative marks a critical step in localizing child protection efforts
turning communities into active shields against Child domestic workers exploitation.