I am super excited as AFRUCA - SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN, the charity that i started around this time in 2001 clocks 24 years! 24 years!! That means we are just a year away from celebrating our 25th anniversary - our Silver Jubilee. Never in my wildest dreams did I conceive of such a scenario in 2001! So much has changed in the external context of the work we do. Sadly, my view is that the UK landscape is much worse for children than it was in 2001, so much so that on this day 1 May 2025, Peers will hold a debate in the House of Lords to determine if the rights of children should be at the forefront of policy-making in the country. However, at AFRUCA, we remain resolute and diligent in our commitment to enhance the protection and safeguarding of children. We continue to do so amidst a reduction in resources available for charities to do the work which government should be doing! I would like to say a very big thank you to each and every person who has crossed path with AFRUCA either as a service user, a volunteer, a Trustee, a donor, a staff member, a supporter, a partner, a colleague or a well-wisher. Because of you, we are still here making an impact in the lives of children. We look forward to continue working with you. Best wishes and long live AFRUCA! Modupe Debbie Ariyo OBE (fb)

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