Positive Chants for Nigeria (PCN), a child-centered organization, is embarking on a significant initiative to bolster the capacity of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Edo State, Nigeria. In collaboration with the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOs), PCN will conduct a comprehensive five-month training program for 65 NGOs, spanning from May to October 2025. This initiative, operating under the umbrella of the Active Citizens Programme of Conscious Soul Record, aims to address the pervasive and detrimental effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on children’s development and well-being. The program will also focus on strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks within these child-focused NGOs.
ACEs, encompassing trauma, neglect, and family dysfunction, pose a significant threat to a child’s holistic development. Precious Obeahon, Country Director of PCN, Co-founder of Conscious Soul Record, and Lead of the Active Citizens Programme, highlights the profound impact of adversity on a child’s psyche, distorting their self-perception and worldview. These experiences can lead to feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, and incompetence. Furthermore, ACEs increase the likelihood of future incarceration by disrupting emotional regulation, behavior, and decision-making, thus perpetuating cycles of vulnerability and disadvantage. The training program, therefore, seeks to equip NGOs with the necessary tools and knowledge to mitigate the impact of ACEs and foster resilient communities.
The training program will delve into various critical aspects of child protection and organizational development. PCN will lead specialized training sessions on ACEs, providing NGOs with trauma-informed frameworks, systems thinking approaches, and robust safeguarding practices. This training will enhance their ability to identify, understand, and respond effectively to the needs of children affected by adversity. Furthermore, recognizing the increasing importance of digital safety, Precious Adedeji, a Cyber Security expert and key partner from Conscious Soul Record, will conduct sessions on safeguarding children’s data in the digital age. These sessions will emphasize the ethical and responsible use of technology to protect vulnerable populations from online threats.
The program will also focus on strengthening the MEAL frameworks within the participating NGOs. OmojoAdaji, a MEAL specialist, and Mr. Mnenga Shiiwa, a systems thinking expert, will contribute their expertise to support NGOs in updating internal frameworks and establishing sustainable child safeguarding systems. This comprehensive approach will empower NGOs to effectively measure their impact, track progress, adapt their strategies, and ensure accountability in their child protection efforts. The combined expertise of these specialists will provide NGOs with a holistic understanding of systems thinking and its application in strengthening child protection mechanisms.
Comrade Bartholomew Okoudo, President of CONGOs, expresses strong support for this collaborative initiative. Recognizing the importance of partnerships and network strengthening, he emphasizes the potential of this program to empower NGOs and improve their impact on children’s lives. He believes that by strengthening their MEAL systems and child protection frameworks, NGOs can deliver more effective interventions that address the unique needs of children within their respective communities. This collaborative effort between PCN and CONGOs signifies a significant step towards creating a more robust and coordinated child protection system in Edo State.
The five-month training program represents a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by ACEs. By equipping NGOs with trauma-informed frameworks, systems thinking approaches, data safeguarding practices, and robust MEAL systems, PCN and its partners aim to create a more effective and sustainable child protection ecosystem in Edo State. This initiative not only strengthens the capacity of individual NGOs but also fosters a collaborative network that can collectively address the needs of vulnerable children and contribute to their overall well-being. The long-term vision is to create a society where children are protected from adversity and empowered to reach their full potential, breaking cycles of disadvantage and fostering resilient communities.
