Dise’s Forum Charts a New Path for Youth Advocacy, Child Protection and a Better Society
In this interview with Victor Oroyi, Managing Editor of Reflector Magazine, Diseye Ifie-Ereboh, the Coordinator of The Dise’s Forum spoke the forum plans for youth advocacy and better society.
How would you describe this year’s event?
This year’s event was wonderful. It was engaging, impactful, and far-reaching. We also introduced a brand ambassador—a nine-year-old boy—which is a significant milestone for us.
We intend to take him to various schools to sensitize other young people on how to protect themselves, especially children who are being molested. As our brand ambassador, he will educate them that molestation is wrong, while also raising awareness about gender-based violence and other issues affecting young children.
Now that we have a brand ambassador, we have even more to achieve as we work toward making society a better place.
How long has this forum been established?
We started last year, and this is our second year. By the grace of God, we intend to continue, expand, and improve as we move forward.
The forum is Dise’s Forum: Getting It Right in Life. What are we getting right?
Getting It Right means guiding society toward where it ought to be—making things right for our children and for ourselves. We will not live forever, so as we raise the younger generation, we must lead them on the right path.
They need to understand that social vices are harmful. Drug abuse is dangerous, gender-based violence is unacceptable, and these issues must be addressed early. Dise’s Forum: Getting It Right is focused on educating young people so that when we are no longer here, we can be confident that they are doing the right things rather than engaging in drug abuse, social vices, and gender-based violence.
By starting early and teaching them right from wrong, they will grow up with strong values, helping us build a better society.
What are your sustainability plans for the forum?
We plan to work together as a team, pooling our resources and operating collectively rather than as individuals. Every programme will be jointly planned and executed.
Because the forum is run as a collective body and not by one person, it will be sustainable and impactful for years to come.
