LAGOS: NGO feeds 1,700 to mark Children’s Day

IN commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day, a non-governmental organisation, Street Child Initiative (SCCWI), observed its decade-long annual tradition on the street and slums in the state.

The group, which prioritises the needs of street and vulnerable children, says it fed over 1,700 children in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

This year’s edition touched Oshodi, Mushin, Okobaba in Ebute Meta, Opic, and several slum communities in Iddo and Ikorodu amongst others.

The group also visited Juvenile welfare centre Alakara and Special correctional centre in Oregun.

President/Project Director, Comfort Alli, in her remark stated that this year was exceptional owing to the peculiarity of the Covid-19 disease.

According to her, although it started with difficulties in raising the needed funds to feed the initial 1,500 children targeted for the programme, eventually 1,700 were fed.

Alli said the beneficiaries were given food and drinks, cookies, hygiene kits, books and pens as well as water bottles.

“This year’s event was carried out with the help of over 20 volunteers with support from partners like Fastizers Food and Confectionery, Aj & O Integrated Communications, Stoics Consults, donations from individuals, organisations, families and friends,” she added.

The Street Child Care and Welfare Initiative (SCCWI) was established in 2008 to provide a socio-economic advantage to vulnerable children who are abandoned, neglected or impoverished by poverty and social inequalities.

Since its inception in 2008, SCCWI has predominantly focused on creating an enabling environment for the holistic development of underprivileged and disadvantaged children.

SCCWI programmes are complemented by research, policy and advocacy efforts.

SCCWI has reached over 10,000 children through the vibrant and well-equipped welfare centre, located in Yaba, Lagos and via several mobile programmes and outreaches.

The group’s primary focus has been to train and equip children with basic tools and skills that will set the tone for a better life for them and their families.

This is achieved by a wide range of education and empowerment programmes including life building sessions, which introduces members to opportunities they would otherwise not have had access.

“The excitement on the faces of the children is second to none, that’s another reason we will continue to do our part to make children happy especially on Children’s day,” says Comfort Alli.