A nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Society for Orphans Welfare (SOW), on Monday lauded efforts of female teachers in Lagos State toward assisting the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) to be outstanding academically.
Alhaja Sekinah Yusuf, the group Matron, represented by Mrs Olayinka Ajagbe, a member of SOW, gave the commendation at a seminar in commemoration of the International Women’s Day held at Yaba, Lagos.
It was organised in collaboration with the Lagos Mainland Local Government Education Authority (LGEA).
Yusuf said that female teachers in Lagos Mainland Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) had been tenacious in rendering assistance to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).
According to her, the teachers had helped in providing adequate information, which had further assisted the non-governmental organisations to understand the needs of OVC and come up with interventions that addressed their challenges.
“We are celebrating the female teachers because of their roles as caregivers and ensuring the well being of the orphans and vulnerable children in Lagos Mainland. As we appreciate our teachers for their roles in encouraging and protecting OVC in their immediate communities, we urge them to do more.This will allow more OVC to get attention which will encourage them to embrace formal education.
“When we have more OVC attracted to formal education, they will have high chances of becoming better members of the society in future, which will make our society more informed and safe,” she said.
Commenting, Mr Olaniyi Taiwo, a retired NIPOST official, urged female teachers to give utmost attention to the orphans, especially in the area of psychosocial assistance.
A cross-section of teachers in Lagos State during the commemoration of the International Women’s Day, organised by the Society for Orphans Welfare at Yaba, Lagos.
Taiwo advised women against single parenting, which he said, was on the increase in the society, adding that this affects children upbringing.“Women deserve to be celebrated as they continually sow seeds of progress in the society.I urge you all to continue to give special attention to the orphans and the vulnerable children,” he said.
Also, Mrs Abibat Olatunji, the SOW Coordinator, explained how teachers could intensify their efforts in caring for the orphans and vulnerable children by drawing the attention of the society to their needs.
“We want you to care for the vulnerable and orphans so that it will be well with your children too; we have huge role to play in ensuring that they are happy and living well,” Olatunji said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the seminar featured a lecture on stress management, health talk, distribution of gift items to female teachers and celebration of women generally. (NAN)
