On April 11, 2024, the Africa Faith and Justice Network Nigeria (AFJN-Nigeria) conducted a significant advocacy training program for 35 youths in Ikwo L.G.A Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

This training was aimed to educate and empower the participants from different social, cultural, and religious backgrounds to work together to end child early and force marriage and domestic servitude in their Local government area. It is also an effort to mobilize grassroots efforts and create a sustainable impact in addressing these critical social issues.

The AFJN Nigeria, a Faith-based organization dedicated to promoting social justice, peace, and integrity of creation in Africa, also took this initiative to create awareness among the youths on the negative impact of early and child marriage and domestic servitude and to equip them with advocacy skill to enable them work together to change those structures in their communities that perpetuate these practices.

The training of the youths was done by AFJN-N in Partnership with Mr. Peter Ewah, a respected figure in the community. Mr. Peter educated the participants on the importance of advocacy against early and child marriage and domestic servitude.

Sr. Vivian Asogwa, a Good Shepherd Sister and the AFJN Nigeria State Coordinator educated the youth on various aspects of domestic servitude and its impact on the community, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issue to the participants.

During the training, Fr. Aniedi Okure, OP, and Sr. Eucharia Madueke SNDdeN, via zoom spoke to the youth on the importance of advocacy and how advocacy is part of their civil and religious responsibilities. Fr. Aniedi and Sr. Eucharia emphasized the importance of combatting early and child marriage and domestic servitude, providing valuable insights and tips on how the youth can effectively advocate against these issues.

Christian Nkanta, the Communications Officer of AFJN-N, also talked to the youths, giving them tips on how to communicate and create awareness in their communities.

At the end of the training session, the youth shared with each other what task they want to carry out in their community. WhatsApp group forum was created for sharing of information and activities performed as they return to their various communities. Mr. Paul Eche was appointed the AFJN youth coordinator in Ikwo Local Government giving Mr. Eche's commitment to social justice and his dedication to creating a better community for all.

The training session was interactive and informative, with participants actively engaging in discussions and asking questions. The session covered various topics, including the causes and consequences of domestic servitude, the role of advocacy in creating change, and the importance of community involvement in addressing this issue.

These youth advocates are now recognized as AFJN-N youth advocates Ikwo Local Government, Ebonyi State. These young people have been commissioned to return to their communities and actively work towards ending early and child marriage, domestic servitude, and other forms of violence against the girl child.

Christian Nkanta
AFJN-N Communication Officer