Devatop Centre for Africa Development Holds Guardians and CDWs Sensitization Forum
In a bold step towards protecting the rights and well-being of children, Devatop Centre for Africa Development, in collaboration with Human Development Initiative (HDI) and other partners under the Freedom Fund Project, recently held a transformative sensitization forum for guardians and child domestic workers (CDWs) in the Okoko and Ado-soba communities of Lagos State on the 11th and 12th of June 2025.
The forum, which is the first of its kind in the communities, was not just an awareness event—it was a platform for change. It began with a warm welcome from Ms. Janet Homo, who introduced the Freedom Fund Project, highlighting the communities it serves and the vision driving the initiative. Goodwill messages followed, including heartfelt remarks from Mrs. Bola Dare of HDI, who expressed her enthusiasm to share knowledge and inspire guardians to protect the rights of the children under their care.
The heart of the forum featured two powerful and parallel sessions tailored for both guardians and child domestic workers. Mrs. Bola Dare led the session for guardians, opening with a deep dive into who child domestic workers are and the often-overlooked line between assistance and exploitation. She spoke about the importance of treating CDWs not as laborers, but as children with rights, dreams, and potential. Her session addressed critical issues such as denial of education, excessive workloads, emotional and physical abuse, and the need for proper safeguarding practices. Guardians were encouraged to see themselves not only as supervisors but as mentors and protectors who have the power to shape a child’s future positively.
While guardians were being educated on their responsibilities, child domestic workers were engaged in an equally impactful session facilitated by Mr. Victor Abba. His module introduced children to their basic rights in a fun, interactive, and relatable way. Using stories, visuals, and open discussions, he explained the meaning of rights, exploitation, and abuse. The children were walked through key aspects of the Child Rights Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and were taught that being a CDW does not mean giving up their right to education, safety, play, and a voice. They were encouraged to know their worth, speak up when they feel unsafe, and believe in their dreams.
To evaluate the impact of the sessions, participants completed pre- and post-tests, which revealed a significant increase in knowledge and awareness across both groups. More than just a training, the forum became a safe space where real-life stories were shared, where tears met hope, and where understanding was deepened. A lighthearted game session brought joy and energy to the day, especially for the children, reinforcing learning in a memorable and engaging way.
One of the most powerful moments of the event was the “Take-Action” pledge session, where participants—both adults and children—committed to taking concrete steps going forward. Many guardians pledged to enroll CDWs under their care in school, to treat them with dignity, and to speak out against abuse. Participants also resolved to make use of available reporting tools like the TALKAM App and toll-free hotlines to report any form of exploitation, recognizing that silence only fuels the cycle of abuse.
This sensitisation forum was more than an event—it was a call to action. It reminded everyone present that child domestic workers are not invisible. They are children first deserving of love, safety, and opportunity. The forum ended with a strong message that echoed in the hearts of all
