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Globally, several issues continue to affect the well-being of children ranging from poverty, war, limited access to healthcare, education and child labour which exposes children to trauma and leads to loss of their childhood. Though there has been some progress, however, the challenge of ensuring access to quality education still persists among other social issues. According to UNICEF, in Nigeria alone, approximately 13.2 million children are out of school, with a higher number in rural areas and marginalized communities. This educational gap hinders both intellectual and social development, while also perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
Similarly, child protection continues to be a pressing concern, with alarming statistics of abuse and exploitation. The National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria reported that “a distressing number of children, exceeding 2 million are subjected to hazardous labour,” while others endure the harrowing experiences of trafficking and sexual abuse. The impact of these violations is twofold, causing both immediate harm and long-lasting psychological and physical consequences.Hence, the importance of prioritizing child’s care cannot be overstated as it requires concerted actions by all stakeholders
As the global community commemorate 2025 international children’s day, the adoption of evidence-based policies and community-driven solutions in promoting inclusive education by recognizing the transformative impact it can have on children’s lives cannot be underestimated. Also, there is the need to prioritize investment in educational infrastructure, comprehensive teacher training and implementing inclusive policies are essential for ensuring that every child, regardless of background has access to quality education.
Additionally, effective collaboration between governments, CSOs and private sector is crucial in ensuring the effective enforcement of laws that protect children from exploitation and abuse.
By focusing on these important areas, we can strive for a future where every child, regardless of their circumstances has the chance to flourish and achieve their utmost potential. Similarly, the need to embrace research and innovation that offers fresh perspectives and impactful solutions for children’s issues should be made a priority.
In conclusion, Children’s Day 2025 should not been seen only as a commemoration, rather a call for action by honing in on the key aspects of education, mental health, protection and nutrition. By using research to shape policy and practice, we can make impressive progress in enhancing the lives of children across the globe.
Here’s to a future where every child can flourish, unburdened by the shackles of inequality and hardship.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Research Enterprise Systems (RES).
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This is a very compelling piece.