Abuja: My Child’s Psyche Initiative (MCPI) has called for urgent attention to the emotional and psychological well-being of children, emphasizing the need for supportive environments both at home and in schools. The Founder and Managing Director of MCPI, Chyna Clifford, made the call at the Ultimate Caregiver Enlightenment Symposium and Book Launch on Thursday in Abuja. Clifford noted that children carried fears, dreams, anxieties, and immense potential, yet their voices often went unheard.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Clifford highlighted that the initiative began with a realization that every child carries a world within them filled with fears, worries, concerns, wonder, dreams, anxieties, and immense potential. These inner worlds often go unheard, with voices drowned out by societal noise, emotions overlooked, and questions unanswered. Clifford emphasized that to raise a generation of emotionally intelligent, morally grounded, and socially responsible leaders, it is crucial to understand the intricacies of a child’s mind and create environments where children are encouraged to express themselves.
MCPI’s mission is to promote the holistic development of the child’s psyche by integrating cognitive, emotional, moral, and social growth. Clifford stated that the initiative believes in aligning supportive environmental factors with reflective learning practices to foster psychological resilience, pro-social behavior, and emotional well-being across all stages of development. The vision includes a Nigeria where every child’s inner world is understood, respected, and supported, both in classrooms and homes, where emotional intelligence is valued alongside academic excellence.
Clifford added that MCPI aims to develop programs, tools, and partnerships to bridge the gap between psychology and parenting, and between learning and living. The initiative seeks to empower parents with knowledge, provide educators with resources, and inspire children to embrace their emotions as strengths. Clifford expressed a belief that healing the psyche of the child is key to healing the future of the nation. A healthy society begins with a healthy mind, which in turn begins in childhood.
Dr. Adaobi Okeke, a Neurologist at the National Hospital, pointed out that lack of data, inadequate funding, and maternal stress contribute to the rise of autism among children in the country. Okeke stressed the importance of conducting neurological research within Nigeria, as most current research comes from outside and cannot be directly applied to the Nigerian population.
Additionally, Mariam Tukur-Shagaya, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, emphasized the importance of positive support systems to curb postpartum depression in women after childbirth.