SCI Disseminates Referral Pathways, MHPSS Service Directory To Zamfara Stakeholders

The Save the Children International (SCI), an NGO has disseminated referral pathways and Mental Health And Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) referral directory for children with disabilities, survivors and other vulnerable groups, especially the children.

The event is part of the activities of Integrated Emergency Response Project in Northwest Nigeria being funded by the Education Cannot Wait (ECW).

The project is being implemented in three states of Northwest, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara by the SCI in collaboration with Goal Prime Organization of Nigeria (GPON).

The project targeting to support children and families affected by conflict, displacement and poverty in three projects states.

The one-day activity held at Taula Hotel Gusau, had 35 participants from various stakeholders including the Government Non Government Al Organisations (NGOs) I NGOs Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and Faith-based Organisations (FBOs).

Other participants included school teachers, religious and community leaders, SARC, people with disabilities, among others.

Mrs Juliana Umaru, Gender and Disability Inclusion Coordinator of the ECW Project, while presenting on the overview of the project said it aimed to increase access of children with disabilities to timely, appreciate and inclusive services.

Umaru noted that the project aim to enhance referral services for children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

“This is also the strengthened coordination and collaboration among state actors among other stakeholders.

“This event is also to increase awareness and practical use of referral pathways, at state and community level”, She explained.

Also Speaking, Mr Nura Muhammed, Education Officer of the project said the project adopts a gender-responsive and inclusive approach ensuring that children with disabilities are protected, educated and supported thrive.

Muhammad noted that the project has various interventions such as integrated education, child protection, gender and disability inclusion, Mental Health and Psychosocical Support (MHPSS).

“This project is giving emphasis on addressing the human heightened risks of exclusion, abuse and barriers to education faced by vulnerable groups.

Speaking earlier, while presenting the objective of the event , Mr Lawal Rabi’u Tsafe, the Child Protection Officer of the project said the project is the connect families to education, health, rehabilitation and Psychosocical services.

“This is also the clarify roles, responsibilities, and access points for services.And promoting inclusion and equality

“This is also to reduce systemic barriers and ensures continuity of care and ensure promotion of equal access, reinforcing gender and disability inclusion across sectors and location,” Tsafe added.

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