Freedom For Life Initiative

Child Protection

About Child Protection

Child protection is at the heart of Freedom for Life Initiative’s mission to build a society where every child is safe, nurtured, and given the opportunity to thrive. In many parts of Nigeria, children face a range of risks, including exploitation, abuse, neglect, and trafficking, with vulnerable groups like Almajiri children particularly affected. Our child protection programs aim to safeguard children from harm and ensure their rights are respected and upheld.

Let us reach out to the children. Let us do whatever we can to support their fight to rise above their pain and suffering.

Nelson Mandela.

Why We Focus on Child Protection

Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, often unable to defend themselves against exploitation or abuse. Issues such as child labor, trafficking, and inadequate access to education threaten children’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. At FFLI, we believe every child has a right to a safe environment, education, and opportunities to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of these challenges, we seek to create lasting change that benefits children, families, and communities.

Our Approach to Child Protection

Freedom for Life Initiative’s child protection strategy combines prevention, intervention, and advocacy to build a protective environment for children. Our work includes:

Advocacy and Awareness
We work closely with communities to raise awareness about child rights and the dangers of child exploitation, such as forced labor and trafficking. Our advocacy campaigns focus on empowering communities to protect children and reduce vulnerabilities through education and local action.
Education and Empowerment
By educating children, parents, and caregivers on child rights, we equip them with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and report instances of abuse. FFLI’s child protection training programs have been implemented in schools, villages, and communities to reach as many individuals as possible.
Direct Support and Services
FFLI offers essential services to children in need, including safe spaces, counseling, and legal assistance. We work with local authorities and partner organizations to ensure that children rescued from abusive situations receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
To maximize the impact of our programs, FFLI partners with local, national, and international organizations, including NGOs, government agencies, and community groups. By coordinating efforts with child protection networks and organizations like NACTAL, we strengthen our capacity to protect children and respond to cases of abuse.

Key Programs

Our child protection programs address the complex issues facing children in our communities:

01Stop Child Labor Initiatives:

FFLI organizes awareness campaigns and community dialogues to prevent child labor, focusing on vulnerable groups like Almajiri children, who are often at high risk of exploitation.

02Training for Caregivers and Educators:

We provide training to caregivers, teachers, and local leaders on child protection practices, equipping them to recognize and respond to signs of abuse.

03Free Legal Aid for Exploited Children:

FFLI offers pro bono legal services to children and families affected by exploitation, helping them navigate the legal process and seek justice.

04School-Based Programs:

Through school programs and clubs, we educate children on their rights and empower them to advocate for a safe and supportive environment for themselves and their peers.

Our Impact

FFLI’s child protection efforts have made a significant impact across northern Nigeria. Recent initiatives include our Stop Child Labor awareness program in five Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, where we engaged local communities and stakeholders to raise awareness and address the prevalence of child labor. Through caregiver training in places like Guiwa Ward, Wamakko Local Government Area, we’re building a network of informed, proactive individuals dedicated to child protection.

Get Involved

Child protection requires the commitment and cooperation of the entire community. You can help protect vulnerable children by: