Excitement Galore!

We are pleased to announce Kortex the Sanitary Towel company partnership with ChiYoWo to celebrate our young girls.

Thank you Kortex for getting ready to work with us and with our volunteers. All roads lead to La Mascot College in Akute, Ogun State to donate the Pads to our young girls.

Let’s watch this space for more information.

REPORT ON VISIT TO CHIYOWO AND TALSCENT WOMEN EMPOWERMENT BENEFICIARIES (PastryTraining) IGBOGBO IKORODU, LAGOS STATE.

Date: 30/8/21

Prepared by: Temilade

We stopped by the store of  Mrs. Funke, who at a time told us she was waiting to get a show glass before commencing business, happily she already has her show glass and is actively going about her sales. For Mrs. Funke, it was a happy addition to her sales, she is concentrating on the making of Fish rolls, Doughnuts, and Egg rolls. She made us understand how the making of fish rolls has been her strength of which we attested to after having a taste of that particular pastry. She told us of how customers rush her fish rolls, some will even come looking for it when it is not even ready, on our day of the visit, for instance, she said she made about 26 pieces of fish rolls, 17 doughnuts, and 7 egg rolls, as at the time of our visit, she was having only 3 fish rolls left of which she entertained us with two and have to keep one for a customer who already asked for it, she had about 4 egg rolls still remaining and more than 8 doughnuts.

She expressed her appreciation to ChiYoWo and Talscent and well wishes.

Happy International Day of Peace 2021

With love,

ChiYoWo

A Virtual Dialogue: Strengthening youth action in achieving a society free from drug abuse and regaining youth skills post-pandemic

Fancy lifestyles

The fancy lifestyles of some people who
indulge in drug/substance abuse, is
shaping the mindset of the youths
negatively. They now perceive these
activities like the new cool, while
undermining its effect on their health.
However, drug abuse is causing more
harm than good to individuals and the
society at large.

Inasmuch as the society is beginning to
pretend to be unaware of the mental,
the ethical and legal consequence of these
activities, they are dangerous and
self-destructive. Anyone who is aspiring
to live a purpose-driven life should avoid
a drug depending lifestyle.

We celebrate all children across the world. Enjoy!!!

With love from,

ChiYoWo

CPN ADVOCACY VISIT – The Report

27/08/21

Children, Youth and Women Empowerment Initiative (CHIYOWO)

Children Youth and Women (ChiYoWo) Empowerment Initiative is an NGO registered in Nigeria, whose primary focus is to enhance opportunities for disadvantaged children, youth, and women to achieve sustained livelihood.

A lot of our work involves connecting communities, part of which is the Programmatic Intervention on Child Protection and Safety. ChiYoWo has worked with over 30 schools across Nigeria.

As part of our focus area, ChiYoWo works around Child Protection and Safety. Under this program, we provide awareness programs and interventions that promote child protection and safety in Nigeria.

It is no news that child exploitation happens everywhere. Sadly, even in the places where children should feel safe the most, such as schools, homes, and even churches. Unfortunately, children are abused and exploited by people whom they trust, and many times these crimes go unreported as children don’t usually speak up. To ensure protection and safety for children, ChiYoWo is currently advocating for a social system and structure that works for children.

The aim of our meeting with you today is to discuss with you how we can work as a partner to ensure that schools in Lagos state develop and implement a Child Protection Policy drawn from the Lagos State Child Right Law. We believe that when schools implement a Child Protection Policy, the exploitation, and abuse of children will be reduced to a minimum in schools.

It is known that the home and the school are places of primary knowledge and safety for children. Our children should be able to feel safe both at home and in school as they spend a reasonable amount of in school as they do at home.

The issue of children’s rights is poorly defined in legislation and by the courts, partly because many nations have not decided the rights to accord to children. For one to comprehend what a child’s right is, the terms ‘right’ and ‘human rights’ will have to be defined. The term ‘right’ is often used to describe any advantages conferred on a person by a rule of law (Akwara et al., 2010). Rights are those things to which one is entitled or allowed to enjoy. They are freedoms that are guaranteed.

Child rights are basic entitlements every child in the world should be able to enjoy or to have. All children have the same rights. All rights are connected to each other and are equally important. Child’s rights are human rights with particular attention to the rights of special protection and care afforded to minors (Amnesty International, no date). They include rights to; association with parents, human identity as well as the basic needs for food, universal state-paid education, health care, and criminal laws appropriate for the age and development of the child. Child’s rights are also rights to equal protection of civil rights and freedom from discrimination on the basis of the child’s race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, etc.

Interpretations of children’s rights range from allowing children the capacity for autonomous action to the enforcement of children being physically, mentally, and emotionally free from abuse, though what constitutes “abuse” is a matter of debate. Freeman (1983) posits that child’s rights are human rights that are wide-ranging and include entitlement to a name and nationality; freedom from discrimination; social security extending to adequate nutrition, housing, recreation, and medical care; entitlement to free education and equal opportunities. They also include protection from all forms of cruelty, neglect, and exploitation and the right to love, understanding, and affection.

As we all know, Child’s Rights Law (CRL) was introduced in Lagos State in 2007. Six years after its domestication, it became imperative to assess the challenges in the application of the justice provisions by different child justice administrators such as social welfare officers, the police, non-governmental organization (NGO) workers, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) lawyers, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), family court judges and magistrates.

In Nigeria, prior to the 2003 Child’s Rights Act, child protection was guided by the Children and Young Persons’ Act (CYPA) 1943, a law relating primarily to juvenile justice. It was promulgated to make provisions for the welfare of the young and the treatment of young offenders and the establishment of Juvenile Courts (Alemika, et al. 2005). There were inadequate guidelines on the interpretation of its provisions. It was interpreted within the larger criminal justice procedural safeguards and constitutional framework (Ogunniran, 2013). Nigerian Government ratified the CRC in March 1991.

Nigeria also ratified other international instruments that generally affect the rights of the child, such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Nigeria is also a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. In addition, Nigeria ratified regional instruments such as the African Charter on Human Rights and People’s Rights and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRCW). It is important to note that the protection of human rights in Nigeria is also enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Chapter IV contains an elaborated Bill of Rights. Nigeria has two separate codes for penal infractions; one applies to Southern Nigeria (Criminal Code) and the other to Northern Nigeria (Penal Code).

However, while Nigeria is a signatory without reservation to CRC, it was not domesticated and thus had no legal force in Nigeria until 2003 when the Child’s Rights Act (CRA) was enacted. As of today, 26 of the 36 states have adopted the CRA (2003). Lagos State adopted the Act in 2007 and named it the Child’s Rights Law (CRL) (2007). In conformity with one of the CRC’s provisions which states that laws relating to children should be made accessible to them, Lagos State has simplified the Law and presented it in several quick forms. The rights protected by and provided for in this law cover the broad areas of social, economic, and civil rights. The CRL is primarily concerned with four aspects of children’s rights (“the four ‘P’s”): participation by children in decisions affecting them; protection of children against discrimination and all forms of neglect and exploitation; prevention of harm to them; and provision of assistance for their basic needs.

Under the Lagos State Law, children have the right to Life, survival, and balanced development; a name and registration at birth; dignity and respect; privacy, family life and parental care, protection, and maintenance. They have the right to free and compulsory primary education and encouragement of secondary and tertiary education; health and health services; leisure, recreation, and cultural activities.

Children also have the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly; freedom of religion with the necessary guidance of their parents; and freedom from discrimination. Children are also protected from child marriage and betrothal; tattoos and skin marks; exploitative labor (except non-harmful labor within the family); sale, hire or use for the purpose of hawking, begging for alms, or prostitution and sexual abuse. The paramount consideration in enacting laws for these purposes is “the best interests of the child,” a standard echoed throughout legal instruments on children’s rights.

Children, on the other hand, have responsibilities under the law, to respect their parents; work towards the cohesion of their families and communities. They are to contribute positively to society; and respect the ideals of democracy, equality, honesty, and justice for all. Parents and guardians are to provide care; maintenance; proper upbringing; education; guidance; and discipline for children.

Additionally, the State should provide medical and health care; adequate nutrition and safe drinking water, hygienic and sanitized environments. It also has the duty to combat diseases and malnutrition; support and mobilize the development of primary healthcare for children through local and community resources. Other duties of the State include the provision of accommodation, maintenance and/or financial support, advice, and other services to children and their families.

However, for a successful implementation of the law, there should be cooperation among all stakeholders implementing it. Their responsibilities should be spelled out and they should be educated on the law and children’s rights.

To this end, we would love to work with schools in Lagos state with your support to establish these child laws, sensitize both the children and teachers, ensuring a safe abode for these children.

A Report on the just concluded 3 days Women Empowerment Initiative on Pastry – Making at Igbogbo, Ikorodu. Lagos State.

In Attendance:

ChiYoWo’s Team

Mr. Onyeka

Ms. Gold

Ms. Esther

Ms. Ibukun (Instructor)

Training:

The training took off at exactly 12:15 pm on Thursday, 15th of July, 2021 with Ibukun as the Instructor and the women present.

On Day 1 of the training (15/7/21), the women were taught how to make EGG ROLLS, PUFF PUFF, and DOUGHNUTS.

It was an interactive session as the women and the instructor were able to work together in making the 3 different pastries.

On Day 2 of the training (16/7/21), the women were taught how to make SMALL CHOPS (Samosa, spring rolls, puff puff & pepper gizzard), CHIN CHIN, and FISH ROLLS. It was a collective effort of both the women and their instructor.

At the end of day 2, the women were grouped into 3 for a practical session the following day, where each group will make something from what they have been taught.

On Day 3 of the training (17/7/21), the women were able to showcase some of the things they have learned in groups. They were taught how to market their businesses and also manage their finance.

During the course of the training, it was observed that the women were really happy with what they are learning as some of them were already getting prospective customers for their products.

The interest shown by the women was of great encouragement to their instructor and the Chiyowo team at large.

At the end of the 3 days training, the women were awarded certificates of participation and also given seed money as start-up cash flow for their business.

After the training, the women agreed to put all they have learned to practice, not just for their own personal use but also for business purposes as that’s the main driver of the Project, to empower women in these tough times.

We Chiyowo and Talscent are truly thankful! One of the women kicked off her business the week following the training. It was a great height of joy for ChiYoWo and Talscent and an encouragement to other women.

ChiYoWo will be monitoring the growth process of the women for the next 3 months. We would journey along with them through weekly phone calls and monthly visits to help them through the first step to growth and evaluate their process.

Introducing Employment and Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Women in Ikorodu

Skills Training:

The selected Project beneficiaries were trained to prepare cook, decorate, and present pastries. The women will explore the latest trends and techniques in the fine art of pastry making. The Pastry-Making empowerment program helped the women develop a set of skills in the creation of beautiful pastries. This program explored a broad range of skills to prepare the beneficiaries for a career as a caterer, shop owner, pastry chef, baker, and many others. Beyond the practical pastry-making skills, the beneficiaries will also benefit from training on essential business skills needed to start and run a business. These skills include; financial management, marketing, sales and customer service, communication and negotiation, leadership, delegation, and time management.

Results of the Intervention
• Increased access to education and skills for indigent women in Ikorodu
• The women will have the power and agency to benefit from economic activities
• The project will drive progress on poverty eradication, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth
• The program will benefit the women beneficiaries on a trajectory to succeed and advance economically

Skills Training Schedule:

A Perspective Drawn to Nigeria’s Insecurity and its Impact on Innocent Children

Release on Friday, June 5, 2021
Stop the Attacks on Children!
Children, Youth and Women (ChiYoWo) Empowerment Initiative Condemns the
violent attacks targeting Nigerian School Children

Dated Thursday, June 4, 2021

On this International Day (Friday, June 5, 2021) of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression,
Children, Youth and Women (ChiYoWo) Empowerment Initiative joins the International
Community to recognize the pain and suffering experienced by children especially during a
break out of armed conflict, and to raise awareness on the need to stop the attack on innocent
Children. Children are the most affected by the consequences of war, and conflict. The Executive
Director, Tokunbo Ifaturoti, expressed concern about the rising insecurity and violent conflicts
across zones in Nigeria, which has birthed a wave of school kidnapping where school-aged
children are abducted at will by unidentified gunmen. She observed that there has been a series
of attacks on students with the most recent being the kidnapping of 200 Islamiyya students in
Niger State. Also, there was an attack in Zamfara state where gunmen abducted about 279
school girls from a secondary school in Northwestern Zamfara state. Prior to these attacks,
some 47 persons including 27 schoolboys were abducted in a school in Kagara, central Niger
state. In Imo state children stayed away from school because of the rising insecurity in the
state. Currently, some schools have gone on an indefinite break because of the violent killings
by unknown gunmen and bandits in the state. Innocent children in Nigeria are now
experiencing insufferable physical, mental and emotional abuse as a result of insecurity and
violence in Nigeria.

ChiYoWo Empowerment Initiative totally condemns this inhumane act and calls on the
government to adopt strategies to Stop the Attacks on Innocent Children who are the
future leaders. ChiYoWo’s Programme Manager noted that in 1991, Nigeria signed the Convention on the
Rights of the Child (CRC) sets out a basic, universal standard for a healthy, protected,
decent childhood for every human being. In addition, Nigeria in 2003 adopted the Child
Rights Act to domesticate the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 2016, the ChildRight Act
has codified into law in 24 of Nigeria's 36 states across the federation. However, while Nigeria
is making progress in protecting ChildRights Act, for many children, these rights are far from
a reality.

With rising insecurity and conflicts across the regions of this country, putting millions of
children’s lives and futures at risk now is the time to protect the child rights is more urgently
than ever. ChiYoWo Empowerment Initiative, therefore, call on the government at the federal level
and across states, stakeholders, and civil society organizations to take action towards protecting the Nigerian child from violence and aggression, giving a thoughtful consideration
to the following clear ask:

• Government, business, and communities fulfill their commitment to the children’s rights
  by making sure that every child has enjoys their rights
• Government to invest more into reaching the most vulnerable children
• Government to take actions to protect children affected by conflict
• Families and communities to commit to protecting children from physical, mental and
  emotional abuse
• Government to develop national action plans and resolutions on the protection of children in
  armed conflict
• Civil society organizations can take up sensitizations programs to educate on the principles of the Child Rights Act

About ChiYoWo Empowerment Initiative
ChiYoWo Empowerment Initiative is a nongovernmental organization committed to creating a
better future for children, youth, and women in Nigeria. ChiYoWo Empowerment Initiative works
closely with local communities in four main areas to develop comprehensive initiatives to achieve sustained livelihoods.

Website: chiyowo.org
Email: info@chiyowo.org
Twitter:@chiyowoini
Facebook: @Chiyowoinitiative1
Instagram: @chiyowoini