UNICEF unveils radio program to canvass child right in Borno 

By Isah Ojo, Maiduguri

The United Nations Children’s Fund has unveiled the 4th and 5th edition of Da Raffee Yaro Kan Tashi, a radio program that targets children’s development and child rights campaign in Borno state

Addressing guests during the unveiling on Monday, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Joseph Senesie said ever since the commencement of the program in 2022, it has been an impactful platform for building the capacity of children and educating them to know their rights

“And what are these rights? The right to education, right to life, right to health, protection from discrimination and so on. The voices of children have been missing for too long in discourse and the formulation of policies on issues that affect them” he said

He noted that children who have been part of the program in recent time have been making meaningful impact in the society

A cross section of the children demonstrating how the program is featured on the radio

“At least 6 of children who are presenters on Da Rarrafe Yaro Kan Tashi have been part of the Borno State children parliament” he said

“With support from donors such as Global Partnership Education, over 70 episodes have been produced on different topics reaching at least 5.5 million people in Borno state and beyond”

On the new seasons, Senesie said 23 children affected by conflicts have led the program with their capacity built as radio presenters and child rights champion

” They have benefited from public speaking skills and their knowledge improved on issues that affect children in Borno” he added

Speaking, the Direct of Child Development at the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Yabawa Kyari commended UNICEF’s role on children’s educational development in the state.

He urged leaders of the state children’s parliament to embrace the initiative and prioritise ideas that reflect the needs of various categories of children in the state