CAPRIGHTS - VP Partners with Faith-Based Organizations to Strengthen Community Action to Reduce Exploitative Child Domestic Work in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – The Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP), with support from the Freedom Fund and funding from the United States Department of State, has intensified efforts to reduce exploitative child domestic work through strategic partnerships with faith-based organizations across Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Between May and June 2026, CAPRIGHTS-VP conducted a series of sensitization outreaches at St. Rita Catholic Church, Akesan; The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); and Living Faith Church (Winners' Chapel). The initiative aimed to mobilize faith-based organizations as key partners in promoting child protection, preventing exploitation, encouraging the early reporting of abuse, and fostering greater community responsibility for safeguarding vulnerable children.

The sensitization sessions brought together religious leaders, congregants, children's ministry coordinators, and members of children's departments to discuss the realities, warning signs, and harmful consequences of exploitative child domestic work. Participants were encouraged to strengthen child protection practices within their congregations and communities by creating safe, supportive, and nurturing environments where every child is respected, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

The outreach was facilitated by members of the CAPRIGHTS-VP project team, including Mrs. Agatha Chinedu, Security and Protection Officer; Mrs. Vivian Emesowum, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer; and Mrs. Mercy Oni, Project Coordinator, alongside other project staff. Through interactive presentations, practical examples, and engaging question-and-answer sessions, participants gained practical knowledge on identifying, preventing, and responding to cases of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Recognizing the important role children play in fostering a culture of safety and respect, CAPRIGHTS-VP also held dedicated sessions with children's ministries. Age-appropriate child protection messages were delivered to help children recognize unsafe situations, understand their rights, and build the confidence to speak up when faced with abuse or exploitation. Children's ministry coordinators were also equipped with guidance on responding appropriately to child protection concerns and supporting affected children.

To reinforce the campaign's messages beyond the sensitization sessions, CAPRIGHTS-VP distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to faith leaders and congregants. Participants were also introduced to the project's reporting and referral mechanisms and encouraged to report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation through the toll-free reporting line 0800 800 8001 and the TALKAM App, enabling vulnerable children to access timely protection and support services.

Faith-based organizations remain trusted institutions with significant influence in shaping values, attitudes, and behaviours within communities. By partnering with these institutions, CAPRIGHTS-VP is strengthening community ownership of child protection efforts and building a coordinated response to reduce exploitative child domestic work across Lagos State.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, CAPRIGHTS-VP reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative action in protecting children.

"Protecting children from exploitation is a shared responsibility. Faith-based organizations are uniquely positioned to influence families, promote positive values, and encourage communities to take action against child abuse. Through these partnerships, we are strengthening local systems that protect children and contribute to ending exploitative child domestic work in Lagos State."

CAPRIGHTS-VP remains committed to working alongside faith-based organizations, government institutions, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, protective, and nurturing environment free from exploitation.

About CAPRIGHTS-VP

The Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) is a non-governmental organization committed to protecting and promoting the rights of vulnerable populations through advocacy, community engagement, research, capacity strengthening, and evidence-based child protection interventions. With support from national and international partners, the organization works to prevent violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect while strengthening systems that safeguard children and other vulnerable groups across Nigeria. www.caprightsvp.org