Salesians offer children safe, stimulating environment

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have opened the Don Bosco Child Protection Center in Lagos, Nigeria, to provide shelter, education, and psychosocial support for children facing abandonment, abuse, or neglect. The opening is a milestone in the Salesians’ expanding efforts to support the future of youth who are disadvantaged.

This is the second protection center of its kind for the Salesians in Nigeria. They have been running a similar facility in Ibadan where children and youth study, learn a trade and, if possible, return to their families of origin. The Salesians, together with a team of social workers and educators, provide them with food, health care and psychosocial support.

A Salesian noted, “The Ibadan center aims to offer children at risk of abuse, abandonment or exploitation a safe and stimulating environment, where they can have the opportunity to grow in all dimensions, physical, emotional, intellectual and social, just like children who come from stable family contexts. Through a holistic approach to education and protection, the center offers these children the tools to become empowered and stronger, empowering them to redefine small goals, know their abilities and regain self-confidence.”

The Don Bosco Child Protection Center in Lagos was officially opened in a celebration attended by dignitaries and supporters of the Salesians. Among the special guests was Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, first lady of Lagos State, who praised the initiative as a vital step toward supporting vulnerable and at-risk children. She said, “This initiative aligns with the Themes Plus agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in ensuring inclusive growth and support for the most vulnerable.”

According to UNICEF, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the ninth most populous country in the world. By United Nations estimates, Nigeria will be one of the countries responsible for most of the world’s total population increase by 2050. While Nigeria has the second strongest economy in Africa, it also has extreme rates of poverty with 100 million people living on less than $1 a day.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Nigeria – Don Bosco Child Protection Centre Opens in Lagos with the Presence of Lagos First Lady

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria