NGO Advocates Psychological Stress Diagnosis In Children

A Non- Governmental Organization operating under the aegis of A Mother’s Love Initiative, (AMLi) has advocated for psychological assessment and diagnosis of stress in children, saying it should be a critical indicator in the admission process into primary and secondary schools in the country.

The AMLi’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Hanatu Enwemadu, who made the call while marking this year’s edition of Day Africa Child with the theme, “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice since 2013” in Lagos  said it must be implemented in both private and public educational institutions in Nigeria.

Mrs. Enwemadu also stressed the need for parenting practice to be taught at tertiary levels of education to bridge knowledge and skills gaps of young adults who are the next set of parents.

She emphasized that school systems must review their policies to accommodate the concept of play, reduce unhealthy competition, and promote social and positive psychological capitals from the early childhood to tertiary level of education.

Mrs. Enwemadu, whose organisation has been advocating against the “Hurried Child Syndrome” recommended that

“The Nigerian policy on Education must be revised to ensure that punitive measures are meted on individuals or schools that practice harmful practices, including hurrying activities in the school system towards both the boy and girl-child.

“Government inspection officers in the area of quality assurance in Education must visit schools to ensure that classroom management and school activities are designed to reduce stressors in the learning process.’’