THE Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) is strengthening child protection through School Mobile Safe Spaces in Lagos.
CAPRIGHTS-VP has implemented the initiative in Havannah College, Igando; Ipaja Junior Grammar School; Alimosho Junior Grammar School; and Dom Grace School, Idimu.
The programme provided safe, confidential and child-friendly spaces for vulnerable children to discuss experiences, receive psychosocial support, and learn about their rights and protection services, CAPRIGHTS-VP Communication Officer, Chinecherem Ugwueze, said on Saturday.
According to her, schools remain critical for identifying vulnerable children and preventing exploitation through strengthened school-based child protection systems and life skills development.
Trained CAPRIGHTS-VP facilitators and school counsellors conducted interactive sessions on child rights, personal safety, emotional well-being, self-esteem, communication, healthy relationships and preventing exploitative child domestic work.
Children participated in group discussions, storytelling, practical exercises and confidential interactions, helping them recognise unsafe situations, identify trusted adults, understand their rights and report abuse confidently.
The initiative created supportive spaces where vulnerable children freely shared experiences without fear, while counsellors provided emotional support, follow-up care and referrals through child protection pathways.
During the sessions, several children shared experiences highlighting emotional and psychological challenges, while their identities were withheld to protect their privacy.
One participant shared, “The people I am living with always use abusive words against me.”
Another disclosed aggressive behaviour from her guardian, while another child revealed, “My aunt always uses abusive words on me without any cause.”
The organisation said the testimonies reinforced the need for sustained interventions providing protection and emotional support for vulnerable children facing abuse and hostile home environments.
The Mobile Safe Space also encouraged children to reflect on positive behavioural changes and healthy coping strategies.
One participant shared, “I have learned to behave better and changed the way I speak to my aunt.”
Another child stated, “I am now able to build my confidence and speak out whenever something is wrong.”
The organisation said the reflections demonstrated improved resilience, communication skills, self-esteem and children’s understanding of their right to live free from abuse and exploitation.
Participants were introduced to confidential reporting and referral mechanisms, while Information, Education and Communication materials reinforced child protection messages among students, teachers and caregivers.
The initiative also strengthened collaboration with participating schools by enhancing counsellors’ capacity to identify vulnerable children, provide psychosocial support and facilitate timely referrals.
Speaking on the initiative, CAPRIGHTS-VP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable children through collaborative action.
“Every child deserves to grow up in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and valued.
“The School Mobile Safe Space provides children with the opportunity to speak, be heard, and receive the support they need.
“By working closely with schools and counsellors, we are strengthening protective systems that help prevent exploitative child domestic work and other forms of abuse,” the organisation stated.
CAPRIGHTS-VP said the School Mobile Safe Space formed part of broader interventions addressing exploitative child domestic work through prevention, early identification, community engagement, psychosocial support and strengthened referral systems across Lagos State.
The organisation said it remains committed to protecting vulnerable children, women and at-risk populations through advocacy, research, capacity strengthening and evidence-based child protection interventions.(NAN)
Tags: Child pritection Safe School
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