CSR: SOS Calls for Improved Child Care Framework in Nigeria
A global child care organisation, SOS Children’s Village has urged the Nigerian government and private individuals to help improve the framework of child care in Nigeria. According to SOS, unrest in the North eastern part of the country has placed Nigeria with over 17 million orphans and vulnerable children; the highest number in Africa. With presence in 34 countries across the globe, SOS said it runs with a vision to ensure that no child grows up alone, and has touched over 220 million children around the world, including over 6,000 in Nigeria. The organisation said it has been working in Nigeria for over 43 years and now needs assistance locally to further expand its reach in the country.
Addressing journalist during the weekend in Lagos, SOS Children’s Village President, Siddhartha Kaul said the call for help is part of the organisation’s resolve to intensify its advocacy on the need for government to uphold their obligations with regards to child rights.
Kaul said, “A democratic government is responsible for its citizens. We are therefore calling on the government to uphold their obligations by partnering organisations to reach the children who need support. He further explained that “SOS has reached over 6000 children in Nigeria. We operate in Abuja, Ogun, Ibadan, Lagos and Plateau State. We have testimonies of Nigerian children who came in at the age of five and are now married. We have those who have gained scholarship to study abroad while some are into vocational jobs in Nigeria. To expand our reach to other parts of the country, we need help from both government and private individuals.
“We are getting support locally, but we need more to meet the needs of these children. Currently, we get less than 10% or our resources form government. Government can help by creating programmes to support these children. They can also support our organisation financially and with other resources.” He concluded by stating SOS is a transparent organisation that runs an open book, and donors can be sure that all their contributions to the organisation will be accounted for. Kaul added that SOS has a sponsorship programme and fund raising scheme through which people can assist the children.