Concerned by the rising cases of violence and abuse targeting school-aged children, the Wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, has launched two transformative child-centered platforms under her Custos Care Foundation (CCF).
Newsonspot reports that these initiatives – the Little Vanguard Movement (LVM) and the Little Vanguard Initiative (LVI) – aim to protect, empower, and equip children across the state.
Unveiled during a formal event in Enugu, the two programmes are designed to address the alarming trend of child abuse, and to foster safety, confidence, and leadership among young people.
“This initiative is in response to the growing concern over violence and abuse affecting school-aged children,” Mrs. Mbah stated. “It calls for serious worry by all and sundry.”
Little Vanguard Movement (LVM)
The LVM is a school-based child protection group that will train pupils to become Behavioral Change Agents (BCAs), peer advocates, and watchdogs. These children will serve as the eyes, ears, and voices within their schools, ensuring the safety, well-being, and rights of their fellow students.
Trained members of LVM will be mandated to report incidents of:
Physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse
Bullying
Neglect
Human trafficking
Exploitation
Reports will be managed through a structured protocol developed in collaboration with schools and child protection agencies.
“You are not too young to make a difference, nor too small to lead,” Mrs. Mbah charged the young vanguards. “Embrace your role as protectors of your peers.”
Little Vanguard Initiative (LVI)
The LVI focuses on youth empowerment and practical skill development for pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools. The initiative offers both vocational training (e.g., cooking, tailoring, repairs) and life skills including:
Effective communication
Critical thinking
Emotional intelligence
Empathy and character development
Leadership training
“We recognise that education is not just about books and exams but about preparing our young ones for real-life challenges,” said Mrs. Mbah.
She called on parents, teachers, and guardians to support the initiative, emphasizing that the success of LVI and LVM depends on a united community effort.
Impact and Reach
Comrade Egodi Blessing Igwe, Managing Director of Custos Care Foundation, revealed that the pilot phase of the initiative engaged 680 pupils – 40 each from the 17 local government areas of Enugu State. She added that since its inception, the foundation has empowered over 1,180 women and impacted more than 3,000 beneficiaries through various programmes.
“LVI and LVM are further steps in our mission to empower and protect the next generation,” Igwe noted.
The launch event also featured goodwill messages from dignitaries including:
Mrs. Ngozi Eni, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development
Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Executive Director of WACOL
Mrs. Chinyere Ugwu, Wife of the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly
The Custos Care Foundation continues to invite partners, stakeholders, and well-meaning individuals to support these noble causes aimed at securing a safer and brighter future for Enugu’s children.
