SCI Tasks Journalists on Climate Change Reportage

SCI Tasks Journalists on Climate Change Reportage

 

 

By: Femi Mustspha

 

 

Worried by the negative impacts of the devastations caused by human interactions on the environment and biodiversity, that led to Climate Change, Save the  Children International (SCI) has urged journalists to focus on the dissemination of climate change information, risks and mitigation action.

 

The Campaign and Policy Manager, , SCI, Mr Innocent Ifedilichukwu
asserted this during a three-day training and review meeting of the Kaduna  SCI Media Working Group held in Kano State.

 

He stressed the need for media practitioners to communicate clearly and effectively to the people to comprehend environmental impacts and take appropriate preventive and remedial actions.

 

He noted that the capacity building on climate crisis and action, also aimed at finding ways to protect children from the adverse effects of climate change and how to champion their cause.

 

“Save the Children International understands the role of the media in telling stories, sharing impactful work, and ensuring sustainable action from various stakeholders.

 

“The training, therefore, is to enhance their understanding of issues related to climate change.

 

Ifedilichukwu opined that Child protection failures affect progress in all sectors, saying  how protecting children from violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect is essential for them to enjoy their rights to survival, development and
participation.

He added that many children drop out of school, others die because of early marriage and other harmful practices and all this can be linked to Climate change.

 

Save the Children is a “dual
mandate” organisation that delivers children in both development and emergency contexts.

 

Humanitarian crises make children even more vulnerable. Therefore, our work addresses the immediate and long-term child protection consequences of emergencies.

 

We are also giving increasing attention to urbanisation, as safety nets are often weakened as a consequence of
urban growth.”

 

The campaign policy manager added that trees must be planted to  mitigate climate change.

 

In his presentation, the Audio Visual Save the Children, Pem Musa said a lot needs to be done in the protection and safeguarding of the well-being of the children.

 

Similarly, Treasure Nwabueze said SCI in all its engagements ensures that everyone who comes into contact with the organisation is safe according to the   ‘Safeguarding’ rules.

 

“Our safeguarding commitment is to ensure that children and adults are protected from both deliberate and accidental harm and abuse caused by Save the Children staff and other representatives.

 

According to her some of the tips for safeguarding by  SCI include, Listening to children and adults in the communities we work in, and building child and adult participation and feedback into all our programming and advocacy work.

 

“Make children, their families, communities and our staff aware of the standards of behaviour they can expect from us and of how they can raise a concern.

 

“Proactively promote and maintain clear, accessible and anonymous reporting mechanisms, including for those with disabilities.” She said.