The Child’s Rights Rehabilitation Network (CRARN), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, has successfully reintegrated more than 8,000 vulnerable children into society since its establishment in 2003. In a press briefing held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the organization, Mr. Sam Itauma, the President/CEO of CRARN, shared this significant achievement.
Itauma highlighted that numerous children, who were either brought to the center by kind-hearted individuals or rescued from the streets under unfavorable circumstances, have been rehabilitated, reconciled with their families, and reintegrated into society, both within and outside the state. He expressed concern over the alarming trend of labeling vulnerable children as witches, subjecting them to stigmatization, and abandoning them to suffer in harsh conditions.
“Our collective efforts have supported the rehabilitation of over 8,000 vulnerable children who have either sought assistance from us or been rescued by our CRARN facility,” said Itauma. He further revealed that 15 vulnerable children have successfully graduated from various universities across the country, with 20 children graduating from a College of Education and 25 currently pursuing higher education in different tertiary institutions within and outside the state.
To facilitate the education of the children under their care, CRARN established the CRARN Academy, comprising six buildings, where the children receive primary and secondary education, making learning more accessible and conducive for them.
However, Itauma appealed for support from individuals, companies, and other NGOs to enhance the well-being of the vulnerable children in the center. He expressed gratitude to the security agencies in the state, including the Department of State Services (DSS), for their voluntary collaboration in protecting the vulnerable children both in the center and throughout the state.
Emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and extending assistance to vulnerable children in society, Itauma expressed his concern over the sexual abuse suffered by many vulnerable children, particularly girls, at the hands of unscrupulous individuals. He lamented that some children even succumb to torture before help can reach them.
The Executive Director extended his appreciation to the State Government for consistently supporting their cause, noting that the government’s assistance was instrumental in establishing CRARN in 2003.
In light of the 20th-anniversary celebration, Itauma emphasized that the event aimed to draw the attention of the local, state, and federal governments, urging them to lend a helping hand in furthering their mission of serving vulnerable children.
SOURCE: THE WILL
IMAGE: This DayLive
