Experts urge more funding for parenting support to protect kids and families

Government leaders, researchers, media professionals, child protection experts, academics, civil society groups, and community members have called for more funding in parenting programs. They say this is key to protecting children, strengthening families, and improving child wellbeing in Akwa Ibom State.

This call came during a workshop titled "From the Airwaves to Stronger Families: Evaluating Parenting 101 with Isang and Shaping the Future of Parenting Support in Akwa Ibom State." It was organized by Parenting for Lifelong Health and the Global Parenting Initiative at the University of Oxford. The event received funding from the John Fell Fund at the University of Oxford.

The workshop, themed "Using evidence, media and partnerships to strengthen families and promote child wellbeing," gathered representatives from various sectors. People from government ministries, universities, media, health, education, child protection, faith-based groups, and civil society came together to look at the findings from an independent evaluation of Parenting 101 with Isang. They also discussed ways to improve parenting support across the state.

Isang Awah, Head of Advocacy at the Global Parenting Initiative, welcomed everyone. She pointed out that while parenting is one of the most important jobs adults do, many parents lack support to face the challenges of raising children. "Parenting 101 with Isang was created to bridge this gap by making evidence-based parenting advice accessible through radio, a platform that reaches families where they are," she said. "When parents are supported, children thrive, families become stronger and communities become safer."

Enoima Clinton, Director of Child Development at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, spoke on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo. She assured everyone that the State Government is committed to promoting child wellbeing and strengthening families through partnerships and evidence-based actions. Samuel Williamson, General Manager of XL106.9 FM, represented the Managing Director and CEO, Utibe Ukim. He talked about how the media can help drive positive social change.

Williamson praised Parenting 101 for its impact on families and called for more collaboration, interactive programs, and investment in parenting support. John Umo-Otong, State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, spoke about the importance of protecting children to build healthy families and resilient communities.

The workshop included presentations about parenting programs and the background of Parenting 101 with Isang. Nsikanabasi Wilson from the University of Uyo shared findings from the program's evaluation. The results showed that the program has increased parents’ knowledge, confidence, and use of positive parenting methods. It also highlighted ways to reach even more families.

Charles Obot, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Uyo, addressed the participants. He stressed how the media can change social norms, support positive parenting, and help children develop well. One key part of the workshop was an interactive World Café Dialogue. Participants discussed ways to improve parenting support in Akwa Ibom State.

They focused on three areas: (i) Increasing access to parenting support through radio, community groups, schools, and faith-based organizations; (ii) Improving links between parenting programs and child protection, health, education, and social services to give families better support; and (iii) Creating lasting partnerships, funding methods, and policy commitments to expand evidence-based parenting programs.

The group recommended stronger government leadership, deeper collaboration, more investment in parenting support, and better use of trusted community resources and local media. They also suggested integrating parenting programs into public services. Eunice Egharevba, Director at the Ministry of Information, praised the initiative. She emphasized the importance of communication and partnerships in spreading evidence-based parenting messages to more families.

The workshop also introduced participants to the upcoming Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Manila, Philippines. At this conference, leaders will review progress and make new promises to end violence against children. Mrs Awah encouraged everyone to be champions for evidence-based parenting by engaging with policymakers, sharing evidence, and advocating for stronger policies and support.

The event wrapped up with participants sharing their thoughts and making personal commitments during the session called "One Action I Will Take." They promised to strengthen collaboration in their sectors and advocate for more support for families in Akwa Ibom State. At the end of the workshop, stakeholders agreed to keep working together to improve access to evidence-based parenting support. They aim to ensure that more families in Akwa Ibom State get the knowledge and help they need to raise their children in safe, loving environments.