BY: Nmerichukwu Igweamaka
The girl-child needs to have proper education at the right time, not early marriage, in order to have brighter tomorrow, says the founder/CEO, Helpsphere Foundation, Sandra Ani (Mrs).
Mrs. Ani made the remark in a statement released by the Foundation in commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl-Child, stressing that the society has to pay major attention to the girl-child.
According her, “What affects them, affects all. Our society shouldn’t encourage or support our girls getting married at a very tender age. This definitely will affect the child psychologically and physically. The girl child needs to have proper education at the right time. There is time for everything and the right time to empower our girls academically shouldn’t be a time to Forster marriage”.
She lamented the increasing decadence in the society which exposes the girl-child to danger.
In her words, “It’s saddening to live in a society full of decadence. The issue of child molestation can never be overemphasized. As much as we look out for ways to punish these adults -because it will deter them from molesting our girls- who engage in such unpleasant acts, we need to also protect these girls who fall victim to these perpetrators.
“We need to make sure that our girls are in safe hands and this is the sole responsibility of parents, guardians and adults who have the interest of girls at heart.
“The Government has a role to play here as well as NGOs. We need to make collective efforts to ensure that they have basic education. Ensure programs are being organized that will expose and enlightened them, Thereby giving them access to explore”.
Helpsphere foundation is a child friendly foundation.
Mrs. Ani added that the Foundation seeks to groom and nurture the girl-child to be more productive.
“We seek to groom, nurture and train the girl child especially in remote areas, creating opportunities which will arm them with resources they need to strive”, she said.
Helpsphere Foundation CEO added that it is obvious little or no attention has been given to the gir-child’s right, “but it’s a work in progress as voices are being raised and heard, history is being made to revive the value we place on our children, because our parents were once children. In due time, it will also be recognized as the aforementioned”.
“My keen advice to parents is this: Always believe in your child. Be a source of encouragement and inspiration to them. Also pay attention to them and be part of their daily activities to ensure they do not fall into the hands of predators”, the statement concluded.
Since 2012, 11th October every year has been marked as International Day of the Girl Child. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girl’s empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. The theme for the 2019 celebration is “Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow”.