JASPI

Following the Yelwata massacre, with support from UNICEF Nigeria, JASPI has continued to provide Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) SGBV & Violence Against Children prevention and Responses services to children displaced as a result of this crises.

As part of our ongoing child protection intervention, JASPI Health and Gender Development Initiative, with support from UNICEF, has mobilized and collaborating with youth and women IDP groups within the Ultra Modern International Market IDP camp in providing targeted Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities for the children, including counselling, referral and follow up case management services.

Our MHPSS session centers around:
🔹 Educating children on identifying risky behaviours and how to respond to inappropriate advances
🔹 Teaching practical mental health coping mechanisms to manage distress, fear, and emotional pressure
🔹 Engaging the children in structured recreational activities such as football, skipping, painting, storytelling, roleplay and traditional games to build friendships and promote emotional recovery

These activities are significantly providing children with a safe, supportive environment to express themselves, build resilience, and regain a sense of normalcy. Their strong participation and feedback reflect the growing trust in JASPI and UNICEF as a safe and responsive service provider.

JASPI remains committed to strengthening community-based psychosocial support for children affected by displacement and conflict, including strengthening capacity of IDP community stakeholders and gatekeepers – for sustained localized solutions to addressing VAC and SGBV.

Many thanks to UNICEF colleagues, especially Dr. Gerida Birukila (Chief of UNICEF Kaduna Field Office) and Victor Atuchukwu (Child Protection Specialist – UNICEF Enugu Field Office) for the guidance, collaboration and on-the-ground support. The children and women of Benue state appreciates.

Ensuring the Protection and Well-being of Every Child

As part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard the welfare of children, our team recently met with the Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon Denen Aondoakaa. The meeting aimed to brief the SA on our auxiliary social work plan, which has been underway for some time, and to secure the bureau's support and commitment from the government to provide effective social services that prioritize child protection.

The SA provided valuable insights and pledged their full support to ensure the success of this initiative. We are grateful for the progress made so far, which would not have been possible without the assistance and support of the Bureau for International cooperation and Development (BICD) and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

Child protection is a critical aspect of ensuring the well-being and safety of children. It entails measures and structures to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children. This includes safeguarding children from harm, promoting their rights, and providing support services to families and communities.

- Identifying and addressing risk factors to prevent child abuse and neglect.

- Providing support services to families and children at risk.

- Taking action to protect children who have been abused or neglected.

- Providing support services to help children recover from abuse or neglect.

The Role of Stakeholders

Child protection is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of various stakeholders, including: Government Agencies, Communities, Families, Child Protection Workers ETC.

By working together, we can ensure that every child is protected from harm and has the opportunity to thrive.

Creating Safe Spaces to Address GBV in Benue State

In a significant step towards addressing gender-based violence (GBV), JASPI, with support from UNICEF, has donated and established safe spaces across four IDP camps and host communities in Benue State.

These spaces are designed to provide survivors with access to psychosocial support, health services, and counseling in a safe and confidential environment.

Safe spaces play a crucial role in the fight against GBV by offering a refuge for survivors to begin their journey toward healing and recovery. They serve as centers for empowerment, helping survivors regain their confidence and rebuild their lives after trauma.

This initiative underscores the importance of providing holistic care and resources to vulnerable populations. By working together with partners and communities, JASPI aims to foster resilience and create safer environments for women, children, and all individuals affected by GBV.

Strengthening Child Protection in Benue State.

JASPI Health and Gender Development Initiative recently hosted a high-level meeting at its office to review the progress of the ongoing intervention themed **“Addressing Violence Against Children and Adolescents in IDP Camps and Host Communities in Benue State.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including:
👤 Victor Atuchukwu, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Enugu Field Office
👤 Carmen Paping, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Nigeria Country Office, Abuja
👤 Doosuursater Agbatar , Executive Director, JASPI
👤 Sefa Awen, Programs Manager, JASPI
👤 Shidoo Ubaka, Program Officer, JASPI

Discussions focused on the progress of efforts to tackle violence against children and adolescents, challenges faced during implementation, and strategies to strengthen impact in both **Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps** and **host communities*m across Benue State.

Following the meeting, the team conducted visitation and monitoring activities in the IDP camps to assess the current situation, interact with the communities, and evaluate the implementation of interventions firsthand.

At JASPI, we remain committed to fostering safer environments for children and adolescents through collaborative efforts with UNICEF and other key partners. Together, we are building a future where every child is protected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Stay tuned for more updates on our work to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our communities. 💙