Akwa Ibom: Stakeholders raise concern over increase in number of street children

Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have expressed concern over the increasing number of children found on the streets, calling for alternative family-based care and support. This was stated during a conference organized by Street Mentors Network in collaboration with Theolight Global Foundation, held in Uyo on Saturday. The event was themed, ‘Mobilizing Families for Alternative Care of Vulnerable Children’.

The keynote speaker, Justice Theresa Obot, emphasized the need for innovative solutions to the issue, advocating for safe and healthy environments for children. She pointed out that root causes of child abuse are often broken homes, poverty, and poor parenting. Justice Obot shared several cases she had handled, stating that some children would be better off in alternative homes rather than their homes due to rising incidences of abuse and fatalities.

Anita Michael, Executive Director of Street Mentors Network, highlighted the conference’s goal to foster collaboration among caregivers, sharing experiences and learning from each other. This would aim to ensure that every child in the community receives the protection, care, and support they deserve. She also noted that the Street Mentors Network had been supporting vulnerable children since 2021, offering scholarships to many of them.

Helen Ubit, Executive Director of Theolight Global Foundation, discussed the organization’s ongoing work with government and partners to promote positive family and community development. She expressed optimism that the conference would yield ideas on how to address the negative impacts of poor parenting and social development challenges.

Chief Magistrate Helen Umanah, Akwa Ibom Chairperson of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), and Mrs Margaret Effiong, a representative from Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs, also attended the event. They praised the organizers and promised both legal and moral support to help provide alternative care for vulnerable children in the state.