JASPI

Continuing Psychosocial Support for IDP Children in Benue

Yesterday, JASPI Health and Gender Development Initiative, with support from UNICEF Nigeria continued its Psychosocial Support (PSS) sessions for internally displaced children at the Ultra Modern international Market IDP camp in Makurdi, Benue State.

Through guided activities such as educational discussions, storytelling, music, games, and sports, children were given a safe space to express themselves, build friendships, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

These sessions are part of JASPI’s broader commitment to promoting healing, resilience, and protection for vulnerable children affected by displacement and conflict.

Strengthening Child Protection in Benue State: A Collaborative Step Forward!

The JASPI team, alongside UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Mr. Victor Atuchukwu and the Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Aondoaseer Leonard-Angelo Viashima, recently convened to discuss innovative strategies for bolstering child protection across Benue State.

At the heart of the discussion was the introduction of auxiliary social work structures, to be managed by dedicated community members in seven key LGAs: Makurdi, Guma, Kwande, Gboko, Vandeikya, Konshisha, and Okpokwu.

These efforts aim to empower communities to take an active role in safeguarding their children, with the strong possibility of extending this initiative to other LGAs in the future.

JASPI remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring every child is protected. With unwavering support from UNICEF and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, significant milestones have already been achieved. Together, we are building a safer, brighter future for children in Benue State.

Let’s unite to protect the future—one child at a time.

Advancing Child Protection in Benue State!

I'm thrilled to share that our organization recently brought together key stakeholders, including the Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs and representatives from UNICEF, to advance child protection in Benue State!

Our goal is ambitious: ensure every child's needs are met across all 23 Local Government Areas. And we're making progress!

Key outcomes from our meeting include:

- *Commitment to Action*: Benue State Government is committed to integrating child protection into its development agenda.
- *Comprehensive Strategy*: We've endorsed a thorough plan to address child protection concerns.
- *Multisectoral Task Force*: A dedicated team is now in place to drive implementation.

Next steps include:

- *Implementation Roadmap*: Developing a clear plan to guide our efforts.
- *Capacity Building*: Assessing training needs to ensure our team is equipped for success.
- *Monitoring and Evaluation*: Establishing frameworks to track progress and make adjustments.

Collaboration is key! We're grateful for UNICEF's technical assistance and commitment to supporting Benue State's child protection efforts. Let's work together to create a safer, more protective environment for children!

Today, we celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women around the world. At JASPI, we are committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in all aspects of life.

On this special day, we recognize the resilience, strength, and determination of women in overcoming challenges and breaking barriers. We stand in solidarity with women everywhere, advocating for their rights, health, and well-being.

As an organization dedicated to health and gender development, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality and creating a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.

Join us in celebrating International Women's Day and let's continue working together to build a more inclusive and gender-equal society. Together, we can make a difference!