By Ehis Agbon
Kaduna, Nigeria – September 27, 2024 – Duncan Harvey, the Country Director of Save the Children International (SCI), held a significant meeting with the Kaduna State Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC) during his recent courtesy visit to Kaduna. The gathering aimed to acknowledge KADSPAC’s critical contributions to social protection initiatives in the region and to discuss strategies for future collaboration and sustainability.
The meeting brought together a diverse team of KADSPAC members, representatives from various sectors dedicated to enhancing social welfare in Kaduna State. Duncan commended the Coalition for their unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and ensuring transparency in social service delivery.
“We are deeply appreciative of the invaluable work KADSPAC has accomplished in advancing social protection in Kaduna,” said Duncan. “Your efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of many.”
During the discussions, KADSPAC members shared their key achievements, highlighting initiatives that successfully improved access to social services for vulnerable populations. However, they also expressed concerns regarding the challenges ahead, particularly following the closure of the ESPID project that had previously provided essential support to their initiatives.
“The closure of the ESPID project has presented us with significant challenges in maintaining our momentum,” a KADSPAC member stated. “We are committed to our mission but need a solid strategy to sustain our efforts.”
Duncan responded to these concerns by emphasizing the importance of continued support from SCI. He urged the SCI state office to provide capacity-building opportunities for KADSPAC, enabling the Coalition to enhance its capabilities and better serve the community. “Investing in training and development will be critical to ensuring KADSPAC’s growth and effectiveness,” he remarked.
Moreover, Duncan expressed his fascination with the collaboration between media and civil society organizations within KADSPAC. “I am particularly impressed by the combination of media and civil society organizations in KADSPAC,” he stated. “The working system for gathering evidence and how the media helps in publishing those findings is commendable, as it ensures transparency and elevates the voice of the community.”
The meeting also explored potential future collaborations, with brainstorming sessions on joint workshops, knowledge-sharing platforms, and community outreach programs. Both KADSPAC and SCI expressed enthusiasm for working together to strengthen advocacy for social protection policies in the state.
As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism among the attendees. The partnership between KADSPAC and SCI is poised to expand, fostering a robust foundation for social protection efforts in Kaduna.
Duncan left the meeting inspired by the resilience and dedication of the KADSPAC team, reaffirming his commitment to collaborative efforts for social justice in Nigeria. The discussions mark a step forward in the ongoing journey to uplift vulnerable communities and ensure accountability within social protection initiatives.
