A total of 8,000 vulnerable children, many of whom were labeled as Witches and discarded by their parents and guardians, have been rehabilitated and reunited with their families.
The Child’s Rights Rehabilitation Network (CRARN), located in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, revealed over the weekend that this achievement was accomplished between 2003 and 2023.
In a briefing with journalists to commemorate the Center’s 20th anniversary in Eket on Sunday, Mr Sam Itauma, the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Center, disclosed that “the Center has rehabilitated, reconciled, reintegrated, and reunited numerous vulnerable children back into society.” He condemned the practice of labeling vulnerable children as Child Witches and Wizards, stigmatizing them, and evicting them from their homes, calling for an investigation and prosecution of such parents or guardians.
“Our efforts have rehabilitated and provided support for over 8,000 vulnerable children, who have either received assistance from us or have been rescued by our CRARN facility,” he emphasized.
Itauma shared that approximately 15 vulnerable children have successfully graduated from tertiary institutions, including 20 from the College of Education, with 25 vulnerable children currently enrolled in various stages of education within the state.
He also mentioned that he has constructed six structures at the Center, including a school called CRARN Academy. Itauma appealed for support from compassionate individuals, companies, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) “to improve the wellbeing of the vulnerable individuals in society.” He commended the efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies “for their crucial role in protecting vulnerable children in the state.”
Itauma listed the challenges faced by the children, including sexual abuses, torture, and other forms of mistreatment. He emphasized that education for these rejected youngsters remains the focal point of his reform programs at the Center and requested more assistance from civil society organizations and governments at all levels.