ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Durumi Area One camp in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed relief and gratitude over the Equality Development and Research Centre’s (EDR Centre) anti-bullying initiative.
The initiative, inaugurated at the camp in Abuja on Thursday, aims to equip IDPs with anti-bullying skills and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all children.
Mr Idriss Halilu, Coordinator and Spokesman of Abuja IDP camps, commended the EDR Centre for addressing bullying, a pervasive issue in the camps.
He emphasised the long-lasting impact of bullying on children and the need for intervention.
“I am excited today that this team has reached out to us on the subject called bullying. As an ex-teacher, I know what bullying can do to a child from tender age, it lasts forever.
“There have been cases of bullying in the camps, it is an everyday thing because we are people who have passed through a lot of trauma, destabilised, disorganised, stigmatised by the society.
“You can imagine somebody that lost his house, his town, his loved ones, some people have been here for over 10 years and some came here some weeks ago their mental health is challenged.
“I see bullying at different levels and different times, but this initiative by the NGO on bullying has given me some strength,so the training is great.”
Beneficiaries of the training shared their experiences and the positive impact of the initiative.
They learned to recognise and combat bullying, and understood that gossip, isolation, and intimidation were forms of bullying.
The Founder of EDR Centre, Marsha Nwanne, explained that the initiative followed a needs assessment in IDP camps in Abuja.
She emphasised the centre’s commitment to creating safe environments for all children, regardless of their background.
“The EDR centre established a help desk at the camp, offering ongoing support to resolve bullying complaints.
“The initiative will be extended to 36 states in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission.”
She said with this groundbreaking initiative, the EDR Centre was making a significant difference in the lives of IDPs, providing them with the tools to recognise and combat bullying, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect.(NAN)
