A Child Focused NGO , Positive Chants for Nigeria, under the Active Citizens Program of Conscious Soul Record, in collaboration with the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOs), has announce the launch of a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks among 65 child-focused NGOs in Edo State.

The initiative is expected to run from Children’s Day (May 27, 2025) to Nigeria’s Independence Day (October 1, 2025),.

The iniitiave is aimed to build the capacity of NGOs to address the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on children’s development and wellbeing.

Positive Chants for Nigeria will lead specialized training on Adverse childhood experiences equipping NGOs with trauma-informed frameworks, systems thinking approaches, and safeguarding practices that enhance child protection efforts.

“Adversity alters the mind of a child and how they see the world — making them feel not enough, not lovable, not capable,” said Amb Obeahon Precious, Country Director of Positive Chants for Nigeria, Co-founder of Conscious Soul Record, and Lead in Charge of the Active Citizens Program. “Adverse childhood experiences such as trauma, neglect, family dysfunction increase the risk of future incarceration by affecting emotional regulation, behavior, and decision-making, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and vulnerability.

Amb Adedeji Precious Ariyke Cyber Security Expert and key partner from Conscious Soul Record will lead sessions on safeguarding children’s data, emphasizing the use of technology to protect vulnerable populations in the digital age

The training and capacity building will be delivered alongside Mrs. Omojo Adaji, a MEAL specialist, and Mr. Mnenga Shiiwa, a systems thinking expert. Their combined expertise will support NGOs in updating internal frameworks and fostering sustainable child safeguarding systems.

Comrade (Dr.) Bartholomew Okoudo, President of CONGOs, expressed his strong commitment to fostering partnerships that strengthen networks and promote collaboration across civil society organizations in Edo State.
“We believe this partnership with Positive Chants for Nigeria will empower NGOs to improve their impact measurement and child protection systems, ensuring more effective interventions for children in our communities.”

Engr. Akhigbe Amarachukwu Miriam, Director of Monitoring & Evaluation at CONGOs, added, “If NGOs can center their work on measuring real, tangible impact around reducing adversity for children, we can collectively hold ourselves accountable and build lasting solutions for Edo State’s most vulnerable.”

In NGOs, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) is crucial for ensuring project effectiveness, transparency, and continuous improvement. The project will help Member Organizations of the Network (CONGOS) to track progress, assess impact, and learn from experiences to improve future projects and programs. It will also help in enhancing accountability to stakeholders and demonstrates the impact of the NGO work to potential donors” said Comrade Ifeoma Robinson, Director of Planning and Programmes, CONGOs.

The initiative is a corporate social responsibility project under the Active Citizens Program at Conscious Soul Record, building on Positive Chants for Nigeria’s work since 2023.

Previous efforts have included collaborations with correctional facilities in Suleja and Benin city using music, dance, and education to support inmates and understand childhood trauma’s role in incarceration.