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Understanding the Challenges Facing Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria

by with No Comment Orphanage

In Nigeria, the plight of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) is a growing crisis. With millions of children losing one or both parents to illness, poverty, and conflict, the scale of need is vast. A recent situational analysis by Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria sheds light on the conditions and challenges facing OVC across eight Nigerian states.

The Growing Numbers

The study reveals an alarming statistic: 28% of children in these states have lost one or both parents, with higher rates in areas like Benue and Kogi. The loss of parents due to illness, including AIDS, as well as factors like accidents and maternal mortality, has left a generation of children without essential care and support. These orphans face unique hardships, especially when it comes to health, education, and basic living conditions.

Education Challenges

Education is a key area where OVC face significant barriers. While 86% of children in the study were attending school, many were struggling with inadequate resources and support. Children in rural areas and older children (ages 13–17) are particularly disadvantaged. Orphans, especially those who have lost both parents, often drop out due to financial pressures or the need to support their younger siblings. This gap in education access is more pronounced among double orphans and children with disabilities, who frequently face social stigma and lack of specialized resources.

Health and Nutrition Issues

Access to healthcare and nutrition is another critical area where OVC face barriers. The report highlights that three-quarters of children experienced illness in the past three months, with malaria as the leading cause. Many children, particularly those in rural areas, lack access to quality healthcare, with some relying on over-the-counter treatments from patent medicine stores. Nutrition is also a concern—older children and orphans often experience food insecurity, which affects their overall health and development.

Emotional and Psychosocial Wellbeing

The emotional toll on these children cannot be underestimated. Many orphans experience emotional distress, with orphans reporting higher rates of psychosocial problems than non-orphans. Older children, especially girls, often shoulder the responsibility of caring for younger siblings, which can lead to feelings of isolation and stress. The report also notes that rural communities tend to have higher levels of emotional support for orphans, as extended family and community members often step in to help.

Child Rights and Protection Concerns

The report uncovers a concerning level of child exploitation and labor. Many children, especially orphans, are forced into labor to support themselves or their families. Additionally, the lack of birth certificates for over 70% of the children surveyed complicates their access to services and their protection under Nigerian child welfare laws. The lack of formal documentation makes it harder for these children to access education, healthcare, and other essential services, further marginalizing them.

The Path Forward

Addressing these challenges will require a multifaceted approach. The report calls for support for traditional safety nets, such as extended family structures, and for strengthening economic programs that can alleviate the financial strain on families caring for OVC. Additionally, ensuring universal access to education and healthcare, as well as promoting healthy behaviors and awareness around sexual and reproductive health, is essential.

In the end, the wellbeing of Nigeria’s orphans and vulnerable children is not just a local issue; it’s a societal one. By creating programs that meet their unique needs and empower their caregivers, we can give these children a chance at a better future.

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Julius Berger Donates Food, Other Items to Orphanages in Rivers

by with No Comment Orphanage

In a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has extended its ‘Food for our Communities’ campaign to five orphanages across Rivers State, reports Sarah Chen.

The engineering construction giant’s initiative, which coincided with World Humanitarian Day 2023, saw the company distribute essential food supplies and toiletries to various children’s homes in the region. The beneficiaries included the Compassion Centre in Nkpogu, Badamia Association Home for Children in Rumuomasi, and Our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help Charisma Home in Omagwa, among others.

From our correspondent Michael Okonkwo:

Leading the company’s delegation, Chief Sam Ngbor, Project Coordinator for South-south/South east operations, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting charitable organizations. “This donation represents our company’s dedication to supporting institutions that provide shelter, education, and parental care to these young ones,” Ngbor stated during the presentation at Compassion Centre.

The impact of these donations was immediately evident. Sister Maureen Anoje, Director of Compassion Centre, described the contribution as “a huge gift.” At Badamia Home for Children, Project Coordinator Angella George Umoren expressed her excitement, noting that the donation would sustain them for over a month during these challenging economic times.

The delegation’s visit to David Bassey Ikpeme Foundation and Home was particularly touching, with children greeting the team with welcome banners. Mrs. Koko Bassey, the Executive Director, praised the company’s timely intervention during what she described as a difficult period.

Chen reports that the most emotionally charged reception occurred at Our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help Charisma Children Home, where children celebrated with music and dance. Rev. Sister Mary Jane Patrick, speaking on behalf of the Mother General, highlighted the significance of Julius Berger’s generous donation, particularly noting the inclusion of children’s milk, which has become increasingly expensive.

“Julius Berger is a giver and not a ‘beggar,'” Rev. Sister Mary Jane remarked, blessing the company for its generosity during a time when donations have become scarce.

The corporate delegation included Mr. Michael Ashofor from Julius Berger’s Corporate Communications department and Hon. Chike Chijoke, the Community Liaison Officer for the company’s Precast Yard Site.

Through their collaborative reporting, Chen and Okonkwo have highlighted how Julius Berger’s CSR initiative has made a significant impact on these vital community institutions, demonstrating the power of corporate philanthropy in addressing social needs.ll and warm within me.

Kids with Laptop

The Importance of ICT Skills for Underserved Kids: Why Kotlead Foundation Focuses on Tech Education

by with No Comment OrphanageSlum community

Have you ever wondered why it’s so important for kids to learn ICT skills like coding, digital literacy, and problem-solving? At Kotlead Children’s Tech Education Foundation, we see firsthand the power that these skills have to open doors and change lives, especially for underserved children who might not have access to technology or formal training in tech.

All children deserve the chance to gain skills that can support them academically and personally, and ultimately help them succeed in their future careers. But with so many demands on children today, from academics to other extracurriculars, it can be hard to know what skills should be prioritized.

Why Teach ICT Skills to Children?
Information and communication technology (ICT) affects nearly every part of our lives today. It impacts everything, from simple tasks like sending a message or making a phone call to complex ones like programming software and running business operations. The digital economy has made ICT a crucial driver of growth, opportunity, and innovation. For children, knowing how to navigate this world has become essential.

In today’s world, being able to use ICT effectively is as important as knowing how to read and write. Kids who understand ICT from a young age gain a core skill that boosts their confidence and gives them tools they’ll need throughout their lives. ICT knowledge gives children a foundation to create, innovate, solve problems, and communicate in ways that are vital to participating in modern society.

Bridging the Digital Divide
Our world’s rapid tech development has created huge demand for people with ICT skills. However, just because technology is available doesn’t mean everyone has the chance to learn it. Many children, especially in underserved communities, lack the access and guidance needed to develop these essential skills. This gap is often called the “digital divide.” Those without digital skills are left at a disadvantage, making it difficult for them to compete and succeed in the fast-paced, tech-driven economy.

At Kotlead Foundation, we recognize that ICT skills enable children to become digitally literate, giving them the tools to create and share digital content, build knowledge, solve problems, and use technology responsibly. Digital literacy is more than just being able to use a device; it’s about understanding technology deeply enough to use it as a tool for learning, creating, and growing. This is why we focus on ICT skills as a pathway to empowerment.

Why Our Focus is on Tech Education for Underserved Children
Many schools in Nigeria, particularly in low-income areas, don’t have the resources to teach ICT skills. Even where programs exist, they may lack trained teachers who can effectively guide students in these skills. This is where Kotlead Foundation steps in. We bring ICT education directly to underserved children—those in orphanages and slum communities—offering them the chance to learn foundational skills like coding, digital literacy, web design, and even robotics.

The children we work with often experience technology only as end users—watching videos, playing games, or browsing the internet. We want to take it further by teaching them how to be creators, problem-solvers, and innovators. Our programs introduce these children to the inner workings of technology, showing them how to build and control what they use.

Now is the Time to Start
Starting early is key when it comes to teaching ICT skills. Just as children quickly pick up languages at a young age, they can also absorb the basics of tech and coding if introduced early. By learning ICT skills now, kids can build a flexible mindset and continue to grow these abilities into adulthood.

We live in a world powered by technology. From self-driving cars to advanced algorithms, the tech skills that are relevant today will shape the careers of tomorrow. At Kotlead Foundation, we’re determined to help underserved children learn these transferable skills so they’re prepared for a future that will demand them.

Our programs at Kotlead Foundation aim to provide the resources, environment, and support children need to explore technology. We believe in creating learning experiences that empower the next generation of tech innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers. By teaching ICT skills to underserved children, we’re helping shape a brighter future—for them and for us all.