Ending Violence Begins at Home – VHF, UNICEF, MOWA Empower Parents in Imo

Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF), in partnership with United Children’s Funds, UNICEF and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare (MOWA), has trained parents and community volunteers on positive parenting and child protection in Imo State.

The two-day Training of Trainers programme, held on May 19 and 20, 2026 at the Njaba Council Hall, brought together over 20 participants from communities across Isu and Njaba Local Government Areas.

Organised under the UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Delivering the Promise to End FGM, the training focused on preventing violence against children, promoting healthy family relationships and creating safer communities.

Speaking during the programme, UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Juliet Chiluwe, condemned all forms of violence against women and children, stressing that abuse should never be accepted as culture or discipline. She urged parents to embrace dialogue, patience and emotional support instead of harsh methods of discipline, adding that parents play a major role in creating safe environments for children.

In her address, the Executive Director of Virgin Heart Foundation, Peace Dike, described the programme as a vital intervention for parents, children and communities. According to her, “The programme became necessary because of the increasing cases of violence and abuse in Isu and Njaba LGAs. Through this training, we aim to protect children, promote peaceful coexistence and encourage participants to step down the training in their communities. This training is also one of the internationally accepted trainings of UNICEF.”
Participants were trained on emotional communication, conflict resolution, crisis management, child safeguarding and non-violent parenting approaches through interactive sessions and group discussions. One of the participants, Prince Iwunna Wilfred from Amurie Omanze in Isu LGA, described the initiative as timely and beneficial to families and communities.

Another participant, Juliet Jinehu Nneka from Okwudor Community in Njaba LGA, said the programme helped her understand healthier parenting methods and the need for positive behavioural change.

The programme ended with calls for stronger collaboration among government agencies, community leaders, parents and development partners to tackle violence, child abuse and harmful practices affecting women and children in Imo State.