Action
UNICEF’s planning and communication programme assists to measure progress, assess achievement and use the information to further the impact of the programmes on child survival, development and protection through advocacy and behaviour change communication. This is in line with the UNICEF mandate to create an enabling environment for the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the measurement of its progress. Planning and communication supports the different programme areas with surveys and evaluations to monitor basic indicators. One of such surveys is the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), used by UNICEF globally to measure changes in the situation of children and women. UNICEF also advises the government on preparing and responding to potential emergencies. All programme areas encompass community communication, education and social mobilisation elements, including awareness raising campaigns. For these activities, information materials such as leaflets, brochures, calendars and charts are produced to promote messages.With UNICEF support, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) conducted the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS3) in 2007 covering a sample of 28,603 households. This fed into the development of a statistical profile of Nigeria to guide the development of Nigeria’s United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAFII). The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also finalised the report on the harmonisation of the concepts and methods of social research. At national and sub national levels, capacity building to improve social development planning and child friendly budgeting continued with training of staff on planning, monitoring and evaluation. UNICEF also supports all States and the FCT through the provision of computers and accessories. National and State partners are trained in acquiring basic knowledge and understanding of human rights based approach to programming and results based management. Similar skills were acquired by State level child rights, gender and development, nutrition and health and paramedical officers. UNICEF National Country Office regularly shares programme information with the media through press events, workshops and information materials, encouraging them to educate the public on children’s rights. Last year, over 400 journalists, broadcast managers and senior editors were trained in specific skills for reporting on child rights issues. Officials from the Federal Ministries acquired the knowledge and skills to educate other colleagues on conflict-sensitive development programme design and implementation through a workshop organised by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR). With support from UNICEF, a manual was developed and is to be used for training staff in planning at Ministries and non-governmental organisations. Children also receive media skills training in preparation for participation in various events such as the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting. UNICEF continues to build strategic partnerships with traditional and religious leaders, the First Lady and wives of State Governors, non-governmental organisations, women societies and youth groups. These groups facilitate meetings between Governors, local Government Chairmen and district heads to promote and monitor progress on child rights issues.
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