“Do everything through love, nothing through force.” – Don Bosco
Guided by this enduring principle, the Project Development Office (PDO) of the Salesians of Don Bosco – Africa Nigeria Niger Province joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for Street Children (IDSC), observed annually on April 12.
This year’s theme, “Access to Justice: Protect, Not Punish,” calls for a shift in how societies respond to children in street situations, emphasising protection, inclusion, and dignity over criminalisation and neglect.
Across the Bosco Child Protection Centres in Lagos and Ibadan, there were a series of impactful activities spanning advocacy, community engagement, outreach, and spiritual reflection.
Raising Awareness Through Stakeholder Engagement
The commemoration began with stakeholder engagement sessions aimed at strengthening collaboration among institutions working in child protection.
At Bosco Child Protection Centre, Ibadan, representatives from key government agencies, civil society organisations, and community groups gathered to reflect on the urgent need to protect children living in street situations.
Participating institutions included:
- Ministry of Women’s Affairs
- Zenith Bank
- Public Complaints Commission
- National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
- Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
- National Orientation Agency (NOA)
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
- Child Protection Network
- Community Development Council (Egbeda LGA)
- Catholic Women Organisation (CWO)
- Association of Shelter and Homes Operators of Nigeria
- Association of Orphans and Vulnerable Children of Nigeria
These engagements highlighted a shared commitment to ensuring that every child is protected, supported, and allowed to thrive.
Taking Advocacy to the Streets
A major highlight of the commemoration was the street march held in Ibadan, where Bosco Home CPC, alongside partners, took advocacy directly to the public.
The march, which moved through Gate and Mokola, served as a powerful call to action — drawing attention to the realities faced by street-connected children and the urgent need for inclusive policies and community support systems.
More than a symbolic gesture, the march was:
- A platform for raising public awareness
- A bold expression of advocacy for vulnerable children
- A reminder that every child deserves to be seen and heard
As echoed during the march:
A society that fails to listen to and accompany its children risks losing its future.
Reaching the Streets: Direct Outreach
In line with the theme of the day, outreach activities were also carried out to directly engage children in street situations.
These efforts focused on:
- Building trust and connection
- Providing immediate support
- Reinforcing the message of dignity and inclusion
Through these interactions, the PDO and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.
Media Engagement and Public Visibility
The commemoration also gained wider visibility through a feature on the Nigerian Television Authority
Watch here, helping to amplify the message to a broader audience.
This media engagement played a crucial role in:
- Raising national awareness
- Highlighting the realities of street-connected children
- Promoting advocacy for child protection policies
A Moment of Reflection and Gratitude
The activities concluded with a Holy Mass at St. Gabriel Parish, Mokola, where participants gathered in thanksgiving and reflection.
The Mass served as a moment to:
- Reflect on the mission of serving vulnerable children
- Give thanks for the impact achieved
- Renew commitment to the work ahead
As expressed by Bosco Home CPC, Ibadan:
It is the love of God that continues to propel this mission — restoring hope, dignity, and purpose in the lives of vulnerable children.
Amplifying Voices Through Storytelling
At Bosco Child Protection Centre, Lagos, the commemoration was further enriched through a short documentary video, View here, capturing real stories, lived experiences, and the impact of ongoing interventions.
These stories serve as powerful reminders that behind every statistic is a child with a name, a story, and a future worth protecting.
A Call to Action: Every Child Counts
The International Day for Street Children is more than a day of reflection — it is a call to action.
The PDO of the Salesians of Don Bosco remains committed to:
- Protecting the rights of children in street situations
- Promoting access to justice and social inclusion
- Creating opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration
Because ultimately:
Every child counts. Every child matters.
Looking Ahead
As the PDO continues its mission across Nigeria and Niger, it calls on stakeholders, partners, and communities to join in building a society where:
- Children are protected, not punished
- Voices are heard, not ignored
- Futures are nurtured, not neglected