In commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour 2024, as a member of Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), our team visited St. Stephen N/P School in Okesa, Ado-Ekiti to educate students about child labour, sexual exploitation, and child trafficking.

During the session, NACTAL representatives sensitized a total of 54 pupils (20 boys and 34 girls) on these important issues. Many of the children were hearing about these topics for the first time and were surprised to learn about the realities of child exploitation.

In addition to the awareness-raising on child protection topics, the NACTAL team also provided education on personal hygiene and menstrual health. A total of 50 sanitary pads were distributed to the older female students, and the remaining pads were given to the school to maintain a “pad bank” for students in need.

The school leadership expressed deep appreciation for NACTAL’s timely and enlightening program. They stated that they looked forward to hosting more such awareness-raising and support initiatives in the future.

This outreach effort is an important step in amplifying the collective voice against all forms of violence and exploitation targeting children. By educating young people and providing essential resources, we are making a tangible difference in strengthening child protection in the local community.

Our organization’s continued advocacy and service delivery will be crucial in the fight to eliminate child labour, trafficking, and sexual abuse.