Some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on Friday sensitised Colony of the Disabled persons at Karmajiji, FCT, on the ills of street begging, mental health and their rights to social inclusion.
Hajiya Zainab Khalil, the National Cordinator, Young Ambassadors Against Drug Initiative (YAADAI), during a medical outreach in the community said the sensitisation was necessary to shape a livable world for all vulnerable children.
She expressed concern over out of school children, street children, children with disabilities and those involved in substance abuse, hence the need to educate them on factors that affect their development.
She also decried the way street children were used as political thugs and imbibe negative vices, urging government to fully implementing the Child Rights Act, which will ensure the rights of children were protected.
“It’s like their rights are being violated and we are comfortable with it. So we want to create that awareness that these rights should not be violated.
“We bring in laws and policies, but we do not implement them. We are looking at the mental health of these children and we have to change their mindsets,” she said.
On improving access to education for physically challenged person and their children, the National Cordinator said the organisation will write to the Federal Government to deploy NYSC members persons existing school in the community.
Also, Mrs Aramide Togun, the Cordinator, Kazit Children Development Foundation, said they will support the disable communities through education intervention programmes to discourage street children begging and selling on the road.
“We are looking towards education, once they are educated, they will be able to do a lot of things.
“So we will discuss with the leaders and know how much they pay the teachers and support them in ways that we can in educating the children,” she said.
Togun explained that the foundation will also donate face masks, hand sanitisers and hand wash, as well as other sanitary items to further enlighten them on COVID-19 as part of the medical outreach.
In her presentation, a medical practioner, Dr Ndidi Ijeh, stressed the need for the people to continue to adhere to the government guidelines on COVID-19 to prevent them from contacting or spreading the virus.
Earlier, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammed-Katsina, the Emir of all Disabled persons in the FCT, appealed to the government to improve access to quality education to discourage street begging and selling by children.
Also, Hajiya Rahina Haruna, Women Leader, Disabled Colony, expressed appreciation to the organisation for their support to disabled people, urging others to emulate similar gesture.
Mr Ibrahim Sagir, Chairman, FCT Disabled Colony and Youths Leader, appealed to the government and well meaning Nigerians to support them with access to education, healthcare facilities and income generation ventures.