From punishment to positive parenting: How JASPI, UNICEF initiative is changing homes in Benue IDP camps

September 18, 2026 - 20:18

In the crowded shelters of Benue's Internally Displaced Persons camps, where trauma, loss and uncertainty have strained family bonds, a quiet transformation is taking place. Parents who once ruled their homes with beatings and harsh words are now learning to talk, listen, and discipline with love.

The change is driven by the JASPI Health and Gender Development Initiative, with support from UNICEF, which is implementing a 10-session training on Positive Parenting and Prevention as well as Response to Violence Against Children in IDP camps and host communities across three local government areas of Guma, Gwer West and Makurdi. The intervention targets 600 parents and caregivers across 20 locations.

According to the Programme Manager, Matthew Hemba, 40 Master Trainers were trained to step down the knowledge. Each location has 30 participants, selected to become ambassadors in their communities.

In Makurdi, the project covers 7 locations including Nyiman Community, Abagena IDP camp, International Market IDP camp and host community, Mega IDP camp, Ichwa IDP Camp, Tyongiga Community in North Bank and Ashar Community in North Bank. In Guma LGA, it covers 8 locations: Daudu 1 IDP Camp, Ortese IDP Camp, Daudu 2 IDP Camp, Uikpam IDP Camp, Gbajimba 1, Gbajimba 2, Yelewata and other communities.

The sessions teach alternatives to corporal punishment, including communication strategies and emotional regulation techniques. Organizers say the goal is to break cycles of violence that displacement often worsens. Participants report calmer households and better relationships with their children.