CHILDREN’S DAY

Theme: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child”

Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF) joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating Children’s Day 2026 and reaffirming our commitment to protecting, empowering, and promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child.

This year’s theme: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” serves as a strong reminder that every child, regardless of gender, background, disability, social status, religion, or location, deserves equal opportunities to survive, learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Children are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are the future we are shaping today. Building an inclusive society means ensuring that no child is left behind in access to education, healthcare, protection, participation, and opportunities for development.

At VHF, we recognize that many Nigerian children continue to face numerous challenges, including violence, abuse, neglect, harmful traditional practices, child labor, child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), poverty, lack of quality education, poor access to healthcare, and social exclusion. These challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable children, especially girls and children living in underserved communities.

As an organization committed to child protection, gender equality, youth development, health promotion, and community empowerment, VHF continues to implement programmes and advocacy initiatives aimed at creating safer and more inclusive communities for children.

Through our interventions, we work to:

• Promote positive parenting and child safeguarding
• Prevent violence against children and harmful practices such as FGM and child marriage
• Support adolescent girls through education and mentorship programmes
• Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) awareness
• Strengthen community response systems for child protection
• Empower children and young people with life skills and leadership opportunities.

On this Children’s Day, we call on parents, caregivers, schools, government institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and development partners to work collectively towards creating an environment where every child feels safe, valued, heard, and included.

Inclusion goes beyond access; it means recognizing the unique needs, voices, talents, and rights of every child and ensuring that all children are given the opportunity to reach their full potential without discrimination or fear.

VHF also urges increased investment in child protection systems, education, healthcare, psychosocial support services, and policies that prioritize the best interests of children across Nigeria.

As we celebrate Children’s Day 2026, let us all renew our commitment to raising children in environments filled with love, dignity, protection, equality, and opportunity.

Together, we can build a future where every Nigerian child belongs, matters, and thrives.

Signed:

Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF)

…Building a Sterling Woman