As the nation celebrates the Day of African Child, stakeholders in matters related to children in Embu have been urged to collaborate and work closely to address the myriad of challenges currently facing the African child.
While addressing participants at University of Embu during the celebrations of Day of African Child, Vice Chancellor of University of Embu Prof Daniel Mugendi said the African child has being subjected to early childhood marriage, female genital mutilation, child negligence among other vices which require concerted efforts to eradicate them.
Prof. Mugendi said all stakeholders must fight this good fight for children together so as for the children to enjoy their rights fully.
The vice chancellor lauded the establishment of the day for African children for it helps in bringing renewed sense of commitment in addressing the challenges facing the African child.
Prof. Mugendi said the social and academic environment a child goes through is crucial for his pursuit of education and life in future.
He further said the University of Embu is in the front line in supporting the African child by collaborating closely with neighboring schools to improve their academic performance.
Prof. Mugendi observed that the University has also established strong connections with relevant stakeholders in matters related to children such a department of children services, primary and secondary schools among others so as to promote the well being and protection of children.
Embu County Chief Officer in charge of Gender and children services, Grace Muriithi said the end of this year the county government will commission a child rescue center at Majimbo which will temporarily hold the street children before they are reinstated back to their parents.
Ms. Muriithi further said the Ministry of Gender in Embu County is partnering with stakeholders in rehabilitating street children back to schools and their homes.
Embu County Director of Children Services, Davelyne Mundi revealed that over 2, 000 cases of sexual abuse have been reported in their office.
Mundi added that 25 street children have been taken to a children rescue centre while the other 20 have been reunited with their parents.
The children officer however challenged the wananchi to avoid giving street children money or food stuff but take them to children homes to avoid luring them back into the streets.