Every month, we like to update all our friends and supporters on our work, and celebrate those who have really made a difference through their contributions. The e-newsletter is published at the end of each month, after our monthly birthday parties, and we encourage all our friends to subscribe, and help us spread the message. Thank you for supporting the cause!
Click to read FLA April Newsletter 2013
On the 12th of April, Fair Life Africa Foundation was invited by Radio Continental 102.3fm to speak on air about the street child phenomenon, as a way of marking the International Day For Street Children.
Ms Ufuoma Emerhor attended with two FLA Kids, who went by the fictional names of Simon and Andrew. It was a live interview on the Talk Nigeria programme, and the boys represented themselves well.
CLICK HERE to listen to the audio of the radio programme.
Please help us to forward the link and encourage more of your friends to help our cause. We appreciate your comments. Thanks!
We appreciate Radio Continental 102.3fm for this rare privilege and invite you to tune in to the Talk Nigeria show every weekday from 10am to 12 noon.
Every month, we like to update all our friends and supporters on our work, and celebrate those who have really made a difference through their contributions. The e-newsletter is published at the end of each month, after our monthly birthday parties, and we encourage all our friends to subscribe, and help us spread the message. Thank you for supporting the cause!
Click to read FLA March Newsletter 2013
Written By Ayodele Akintimehin and Ufuoma Emerhor.
On the 9th of March, 2013, Fair Life Africa Foundation took the initiative to distribute produce to the market women in the community. It was also an opportunity to inform them of the issues that lead to children running from home, and how they can prevent it by being responsible guardians. Nine (9) women attended, and some arrived with their babies to receive the provision and counsel.
The women were taught how they could empower themselves through the use of maize and how to increase their source of income with their day to day activities. Mr Ayodele explained the role of Fair Life Africa Foundation and the importance of parental care for their children to avoid children running to the street. The common reasons were highlighted, which are lack of parental care, child abuse, child labour and sexual exploitation etc.
Ayo educates the local women
Mr Ayodele explained what maize is and what it could be used for. He taught them that maize is a cereal/grain that can be cooked, roasted, fried, grounded, pounded or crushed to prepare various edible foods like pap, tuwo, gwate, donkunu and host of others. All these food types are readily available in various parts of Nigeria among different ethnic groups, including Yorubas, Hausas, Ibos etc. Preparations and uses of the maize grains varied from group to group, though there are some similarities.
One of the participants, Mrs Rakia Nuru, also shared her knowledge and taught the other women how to use the maize for tuwo and pap. She expressed her gratitude and explained how the maize will help her family. She said that a bowl of maize cost N400 and N150 to grind, so our initiative was very beneficial to her business. Finally, other women spoke about their plans to use the maize for the benefit of their families.
A woman collects her portion of maize.
Four 50kg bags maize, which were donated by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authourity, were distributed among all the women. They gathered around for a group picture before going home. We plan to have more such sessions with the Gbara Community.
A happy group, after the distribution
Written with permission, by Ifeoma Keke and Ufuoma Emerhor
Hi, my name is James, I am 15 years old. I used to think I was born on Christmas Day, but I now know that I will be 16 on the 18th of September. I am from Ondo State in Nigeria. I learnt about Fair Life Africa Foundation through Sis. Nishola and Bro. Ayo, when they were at Oshodi looking for boys like me to help. I used to sleep under the bridge at Oshodi and worked as a bus conductor and carried load for people for money.
When I was much younger, my mother left me and my sister with my father. I found out that my mother remarried, but died later on during of childbirth. My father remarried when he could no longer manage taking care of us and working at the same time. We had to live with my step-mother because my father was transferred to Abuja by the organization he works for. He is a driver, while my step-mother is a petty trader.
I didn’t like living with my step-mother. She treated me well whenever my dad was around, but whenever he left the house or travelled, she would maltreat me. I tried complaining to my father but he never believed me, even though our neighbours also tried advising him to talk to her. In 2005, when I was eight years old, I choose to run away from home, as things were not getting better.
My father’s relatives looked for me, but whenever I went back home with them, I would end up going back to the street. They did not understand what I was going through or wanted, and sometimes, I do not even understand myself. I wanted to be with my father, to have a good relationship with him just like any other child, but the distance his work created between us made me feel alone. I saw him again for the first time since 2005, when he visited the Fair Life Africa Foundation Home in 2012.
I have been in several other Homes before, but ended up leaving for the street again. I am glad Fair Life Africa Foundation took me in. My stay in the Home has brought me so much happiness. When I started living here, I felt like my freedom had been taken from me once again, and I didn’t like being punished, whenever I go against rules of the Home. I usually protested and sometimes felt like going back to the street. But I’m happy I didn’t give up and decided to stay. I really want to change and make something of myself. Though I still have some challenges and bad attitudes, I am working on them with the help of the staff and mummy (Ms Ufuoma).
I am back to school and in JSS 1. Fair Life Africa enrolled me in a secondary school nearby. I’m supposed to be in JSS3, but could not pass the examination as it has been a long while since I stopped attending school. I have been studying hard to meet up with school work but it has been quite challenging. I’m not giving up, and will work harder to make sure I pass my second term exams.
My uncle has visited Fair Life Africa severally and whenever he comes around, he brings gifts for me and my friends, and encourages me to continue with the right path. The best news is that my father has also started visiting! He came all the way from Abuja to see me in Lekki, Lagos. He has visited twice and brought along some clothes and shoes for me.
Home for the weekend
Recently, I spent the weekend with my grandpa and uncle in Lagos. It was a very interesting weekend. At first, I was not excited about it, because I taught it was going to be boring, but it turned out well. I chatted with my grandpa and uncle, played with my little cousin, went out with my uncle on Saturday and also helped with the chores at home too. On Sunday I went out on bicycle ride with my uncle and six friends. It was so much fun and very competitive too. We had to return home early because we got news that Sis. Nishola and Bro. Ayo were around to pick me. I was quite sad to leave them.
I know I have hurt so many people by my attitude and wasted years on the street, but I want to make it right and be a pride to my family, Fair Life Africa, those who are sponsoring this programme and the whole society. Were it not for your care and generosity, I would not have left the street and would probably get into a lot of trouble. Please continue to help Fair Life Africa Foundation, and you will be helping boys like me to turn over a new leaf. Thank you for everything.
Below is the quarterly update we sent to GlobalGiving, which has been approved and can be viewed with pictures HERE.
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There’s so much to say about the last three months. To guard against losing you in all the details, I’ll give a brief recap, update and highlights to guide you through the developments. I’ll also link you to posts in our blog, The Rising Star, which will tell you more about what you are interested in. Simply click the links, thanks and enjoying catching up!
RECAP
We started with a new group of boys in September, after we spent July and August scouting the streets for boys in need of rehabilitation and reconciliation. All the boys we took in were interested in going to school, and we enrolled them all in two private schools in October; one for Primary and one for Secondary. We also got in touch with all their families before they became resident at the Home, and began to entertain visits from the children’s families towards their reconciliation.
In October, we shared Peter’s Story. He is one of the boys in the Home, who is an orphan. We also told you about our friends Yemi Adedeji and Kanyin Belo, who took the initiative to visit the Home with their friends, and also mark their birthdays with us. They started an unstoppable trend, so that every month since, we’ve had at least two friends come and mark their birthdays with the children.
UPDATE
One significant update is that Barthol, a 15 year old boy we took in in September, has decided to return home. He ran away from the centre on the 30th of December, to the shock of everyone, during a Church service at the local Church, which all the boys attend. We kept in contact with his family, and learnt that he went back home that same day. We paid him a visit in January, and saw that he was well and healthy, and also content! He had not been good academically, though he had insisted that he wanted to go to school. Now he is working under a meat seller as his apprentice, and says that’s what he wants to do. We wrote about this in FLA January Newsletter 2013.
In December, we wrote about Derek, another orphan at the Home, who used to work at Oshodi in Lagos, a popular district. He was the first child to win our good behaviour competition, and was taken out to Silverbird Galleria to watch a movie, and enjoy a lovely day out with two of his friends at the Home. He was also the first child to spend a weekend with his family, as part of our reconciliation process. It was a pleasant weekend, and he was really excited to go, and happy to return to the Home too.
Unfortunately, Derek is currently in hospital, after undergoing an operation and receiving treatment for appendicitis at the General Hospital. He was taken in by ambulance after some complaints, treatments and tests, which revealed that his situation was chronic and urgent. Permission was taken from his grandparents for the operation to be carried out, and it was successfully done on the 9th of February. He misses the Home, and asks to come back every day, but he is not yet strong enough. We look forward to his return.
In January, we wrote about Phillip, the second child to win our good behaviour competition. Phillip chose to go to GET Arena to enjoy go-karting and arcade games with his friend, John, which is what he did. He has been one of the most inspiring boys in the Home, as he is showing a lot of maturity and leadership amongst the boys. He is also doing well at school. You should read up on the boy they used to call ‘Ghetto Child’, while on the streets.
Andrew, 15 years, is the next child in line for a reward for good behaviour. He is a peaceable, hardworking young boy, who is often quiet, but cheerful in the Home. He almost got overlooked for good behaviour, because he doesn’t try to do things to be seen. However, during a meeting, when the other boys were being chastised, his goodness was found out and exposed. He says that he would like to a new pair of trainers for his reward, and wants to make a trip to Shoprite Complex this Saturday.
Two of our boys are looking forward to going home for the weekend this coming weekend. They are Luke and Mark, and we have not yet written up their case studies, but will soon do so on the blog. Peter, Mark and Andrew are preparing for their West African Examination Council exams, and the practicals are starting in March. They are receiving support from our friend and volunteer, Yemi Adedeji, and our new support worker, Emeke Ndego, so that they will catch up with their mates who had been consistent in school.
Four other boys are receiving one-to-one educational support from our support workers, to help them to get up to speed academically. They scored poorly, compared to their mates, in the first term examinations, and we want to give them extra support, particularly with English and Maths. However, at a recent review, we decided that, for at least two of them, we should focus our efforts on getting them trained with vocations they can do, because they do not have a good attitude to their academics and are not likely to pass. We will continue to explore options with them, in partnership with them to equip them for the future.
All but two of the boys, Matthew and Simon, have been visited by their families. Matthew’s case is actually quite concerning and was reported to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation early in January. Simon’s case was reported in February, after efforts to get his family to visit in January were unfruitful. It is very important that families visit their children and are counselled before the children return home finally. Through their visits, and the children’s stays at home (for weekends, then a few days as needed), we will be able to determine the stability of the child’s return home, and also put in the necessary support for the family to move on.
Apart from Derek’s health condition, two of our boys are also receiving treatment at the Home, following medical tests, which revealed concerning ailments. Apart from these, the boys are generally well. They eat and sleep well, and are engaged throughout the day. They are also counselled once fortnightly (one-to-one), and every three weeks in their groups. We would like them to have more free time however, because a lot of their time is being used to supplement their learning from school. They often go on outings or receive visitors over the weekend, so they do not have as much free time as they’d like, but we’re working on a creating more allowances on their schedule.
HIGHLIGHTS
Joseph Yobo, Captain of the Nigeria Super Eagles, paid a visit to FLA Home on the 29th of December 2012 with lots and lots of provisions for the Home. He was welcomed with his crew, and spent some time talking to the boys, inspiring them to grasp the opportunity available to them at the Home. He promised to return to see them all, and encourage them with more support.
Joseph Hudson, CEO of Lafarge (WAPCO) Nigeria, paid a visit with his three sons on the 18th of December 2012. They brought a signed rugby ball, and played rugby in the nearby field with the boys. They also brought new and used clothing and a massive Christmas hamper for the Home. Lafarge (Friends of the Community), visited earlier in October, and came back in January. They were part of our last Monthly Birthday Party and presented gifts and a financial donation to the Home. They promised to return to offer more hands on assistance, and Mr Hudson promises his continued support too.
We had our First Annual Christmas Party on the 23rd of December, and it was a huge success. Most of the children’s families were in attendance, including the boys we reconciled from the pilot programme. Several corporate sponsors and many of our friends also showed up to make the day memorable. Before, after and during, the Home was blessed with abundant food and alternative donations from friends and well-wishers. The boys were reminded every day that it was indeed the season to be jolly, as people came almost daily to share provisions with them and spend some time inspiring them. To learn about the party, please read our Christmas Party Report. You can read up on Joseph Yobo’s visit, Joseph Hudson’s visit and the other activities that went on over Christmas in our FLA December Newsletter 2012 too!
Thanks to Toyin Eribake, who came to celebrate his birthday at the Home in January, we now have DSTV at the Home!!! Well, he came with Eng. Ola Adetula, who later came back in January to mark his birthday at the Home, and the DSTV was his gift! It was an awesome surprise. Toyin later wrote about his visit and shared it with his friends, several of whom have become financial sponsors of the Home. Eng. Adetula and his wife, Bisoye, also outdid themselves, by showing unusal kindness to our boys. Last weekend, they took six of them into their home, and treated them like family members. Nishola Akinyera, our support worker, who accompanied the boys wrote about the visit on the blog.
Time will not permit to go into all the things that have been happening, but here are some other posts on the blog you really should check out if you have the time and interest:
‘Celebrating Children’s Day 2012′ – FLA’s Participation to train on Children’s Rights
‘November’s MBP – Wish You Were Here’ – Monthly Birthday Party report for November.
‘Getting It Right’ – Training Day organised by Christianah Fate Foundation in February
Our featured post at the moment is ‘Valentine Love Sessions With JRhythm’, a sensational Valentine’s Day event that will also raise funds for CCC Initiative. If you are in Lagos, you really should come and be a part of it. It’s holding at 6pm on the 14th of February at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island.
You might also be interested in reading FLA November Newsletter 2012. We have also updated our Frequently Asked Questions, Donor Shopping List and Meet The Team pages on the blog.
So, I hope that reading all this, you are reassured that you are supporting a worthy initiative. Thank you for all that you have done. We try our best to keep you informed through our monthly newsletters and the blog. You can subscribe for the E-Newsletter here. We are still developing, not only in our interventions, but in our communication to you. Your financial support is very encouraging to us, and helps us to know that we are not alone in this initiative.
One thing that never changes, even with the advancement of technology, is the fact that it takes a community to raise up a child. We are pleased with the growing support in our immediate community here in Lagos, and touched by the contributions we receive via GlobalGiving UK, and now US too. The world is more and more a global community, and we all need to put our hands together to secure tomorrow’s hope – the children of today. Please consider being a regular donor, and enable us to make greater impact in the lives of these children and their families.
Written by Nishola Akinyera
All over the world, the month of February usually ushers in the spirit of love and great moments, but too many people often forget or overlook the ones who matter most. This was not the case with the Adetulas, who have taken time to pay more attention to what is most important this season of love.
Some have come to the realization that not every finger is equal in life, because of limitation in education, poor family background, one disability or the other and some other social factors. To this few has been given the gift of understanding, compassion and most especially, the ability to show love to another despite all odds.
Perhaps not too many people care about the suffering of others; but to claim not to know, is to see this suffering as normal and something that cannot be helped, when it is not so in actual fact, if only we care enough to be moved to get up and do something about it.
The FLA kids will always remember the 10th of February, 2013, fondly, as it was the day when Mr and Mrs Adetula fulfilled their promise and opened their arms to them, showing the greatest love of all. Eng. Ola Adetula arrived at the Home of Fair Life Africa Foundation, in Lekki, Lagos, around 2pm on Sunday, to pick six of the best behaved boys. I accompanied them as a chaperon to visit the Adetulas’ residence in Ajah, Lagos and spend the day with them.
As the car moved through Lekki/Epe express road, Eng. Adetula pointed out interesting sights like big companies to the boys, explaining what they do, who owns them and how they grew from nothing to becoming successful big names in the society. He showed the boys modern market structures and estates, encouraging them to work hard now that they are young, so as not to suffer or beg in old age.
The boys arrived at the Adetulas’ beautiful home around 3pm, and as they were stepping in, Mrs Bisoye Adetula welcomed them with a heart melting smile the boys had seen several times before, when the family visited the FLA Home with gifts. Some moments later, she directed the boys to the dining area of the house to be served lunch.
Lunch is served!
What a feast!
Mark, one of the boys who had easily taken on the position of a leader on this fun journey served the jollof rice, and chicken with salad and milk shake prepared by Mrs Adetula. There was also plenty of chilled fruit juice by the side. After this delicious meal,Mark, cheerfully cleared the dining table, cleaned and did the dishes without being told. Eng. Adetula, being so pleased with this action, gave him an original Fossil wrist watch that made everyone gasp when they saw it!
After this delicious meal, the boys and the Adetula family sat in the living room to enjoy an animated cartoon called Shrek in 3D. Unfortunately, the 3D glasses’ batteries were down, but they still had so much fun watching the movie, and other shows with lots of cherries (furit) to nibble on in the process.
As the boys watched the Nigeria-Burkina Faso match, which was on that evening, they were all served iced cream by Simon, the youngest of the FLA Kids, who just kept smiling throughout the day because of how freely the Adetulas allowed them move around in their home and their kitchen.
For dinner, Mrs Adetula prepared spaghetti and a whole roasted chicken, done exactly like the thanks giving turkey for the boys. At this point, all the boys looked like they had footballs hidden under their T-shirts.
Sunday Mba shot the golden goal, and everyone shouted with joy! The atmosphere was electric, as the spirit of acceptance, joy and warmth radiated in the home at that moment. When Nigeria finally won the game, the boys kept jumping and pointing at Joseph Yobo, a friend of the Home, who had visited them during the Christmas celebration, with pride.
When the time came to leave, the boys did not want to leave the Adetulas; they all wanted to stay longer, because of the love and acceptance the Adetula family showed to the souls needing hope and guidance on their journey to find peace and a place they really fit in. But it will always be an experience they will carry and cherish, an experience no one can ever take away from them as they move on in life.
Written by Ayodele Akintimehin and Ufuoma Emerhor
Christianah Fate Foundation, whose vision is to see children enjoy their childhood free from any form of abuse, organized a training day and valentine special tagged “GETTING IT RIGHT” for children. It was held at the Lekki Conservation Centre on Saturday, the 9th of February 2013, and ten boys from Fair Life Africa Foundation attended.
Mrs Christianah Akindolie with FLA Kids
The program highlighted that children now live in a world full of so many complications, and guardians of the child must visualize what it feels like to cope with peer pressure, homosexuality, lesbianism, drug abuse, rape, child abuse, cyber abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, corruption, educational challenges and other numerous problems in the harsh society, in order to protect their children.
Valentine’s Day is recognized all over the whole world as a day to show love and for some youths, it’s a time to give up their dignity, pride, and future all in the name of love. This has unfortunately led them into contacting sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies (often resulting in abortions) and different health related problems which could be avoided if only they can get their relationships, health and sex life right.
Getting the children warmed up
Different topics in relation to children’s rights were discussed by professionals like the Director of Mediacom, the Director of Nigeria Conservation Centre and Dr Maymunah, a consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist.
It was noted from Mrs Christianah Akindolie’s (CEO of Christianah Fate Foundation) speech that playing proper parental roles has become more difficult due to economic challenges as both father and mother have to work to augment the financial status of the family. This had led to children taking decisions without appropriate parental supervision or involvement.
The training was child-friendly, and broke down the issues simply for the children. They also interacted in forum discussions to clarify gaps in their understanding. A child asked a poignant question, “Why don’t our parents have time for us? When we want to discuss something bothering us, they are always busy or too tired to listen?”
The message was very clearly drummed in that children need guidance to be protected from the dangers of child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse. Parents have a duty to be available to answer their children’s questions, knowing that if they don’t, they will get their answers from somewhere else, to their detriment.
Other activities like musical statues, aerobics, drama and a raffle draw, were in place to engage the children actively, and prizes were given as incentives and rewards. Five of our boys walked away with prizes, including a N5,000 shopping voucher, a magazine, gift bags and reading books. Another N5,000 shopping voucher was presented to Fair Life Africa Foundation as support from Christianah Fate Foundation.
A child wins a gift bag
Fair Life Africa Foundation was truly privileged to attend this training, which was provided freely for our boys. Children who have spent time on the streets have often experienced the abuses discussed, and if not properly trained, may go on to abuse others or continue to suffer the effects of abuse, which include low self esteem. We thank Christianah Fate Foundation for their initiative and wish them continual prosperity and impact in their field.
Fair Life Africa Foundation is proud to promote Love Sessions with JRhythm and Friends! It is a unique musical event, which brings radio to stage, with aims to:
“artistically describe all 3 types of Love (Eros, Agape and Phillia) and rhythmically guide the listeners minds to the beautitudes of love” JRhythm.
If you like smooth jazz, classic love tunes, inspirational lyrics and poetry, you don’t want to miss this sensational event, which is holding this Valentine’s Day:
Thursday, 14th February at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, Lagos from 6:00pm to 9:30pm.
Buy your tickets today! Free Cocktails for the first 100 tickets holders!!! N5,000 for couples and N3,000 for singles. You can buy your tickets direct from AfriTickets!!!
The Line Up…
Presenters: MC Truth (WHY Radio) and Mandy (former Cool Fm presenter)
Artists: JRhythm, Seun P (Naija Info), Modele, Ukenn (Back up to 2Face), Michael Laban, Oweck, Word, Kome, Kay 1 and more up and coming artists
Poets: Ufuomaee, Efe, Donna and Princess
Dancers: Society for the Performing Arts Nigeria (SPAN)
Scripted Monologue: Written by Glory Edozien, performed by Anita Berry.
Dress Code: A touch of red
Make Love go further…
There’s no better way to spend your Valentine, and also give back to Charity!!! Yes, you can share love with the destitute and unloved this Valentine’s Day by coming along with your loved one, or buying a ticket for a friend who needs a boost and renewed inspiration.
JRhythm is giving back 30% of profit from Love Sessions to two of his favourite Charities; Fair Life Africa Foundation and Tosin Jegede Foundation working with children in Nigeria.
Buy your ticket direct from Fair Life Africa Foundation and pick up at the door, and give back 20% of your ticket price to support our Care Continuity Challenge Initiative for Street Children.
Simply deposit the ticket fee to Fair Life Africa Foundation, 0106643687 at Guaranty Trust Bank, with your reference #Love-Name-PhoneNo, before 12pm on the 14th of February, and your ticket/s will be reserved and kept for you at the door.
Toyin Eribake shares his experience about the visit to our Home in Lekki with his friends.
He wrote:
I have to say quite honestly that those boys really spiced the day up for me. I can’t quite describe how. I’d played football with them before, but seeing them in the home at Lekki, was a different experience. All the boys that had been all shouty and noisy on the pitch were now quiet and homely. Most of them had to be coaxed out of their shells even.
They first introduced themselves. Then the 5 of us that went there introduced ourselves. We then asked them about what they wanted to be and why. Interesting bit… We found some aspiring lawyers, electrical engineers, footballers, accountants and doctors amongst them. By GOD’s grace and willing men, may their dreams be aligned with GOD’s purpose for them which would be fulfilled in JESUS’ Name.
Some of them were inspired by passion for football, some were intrigued by the workings of things, some were of course inspired to make money (sound familiar anyone…?), but some inspired me because they were pursuing change. One boy (I’ll admit I forget his name – some of you know I don’t have the gift of remembering names, but I can remember his face and red shirt) said he wanted to be a lawyer so he could address the disparity between the way the poor and the rich are treated. Humbling and inspiring. And concerning… what has a 16 year old been through to have such drive? What can I do to help him achieve that goal if I think it’s noble?
We also told them a little bit about the different things we do, and gave them some advice that hopefully might come in handy in the course of their lives.
After that it we went to the Cake Corner (yes, this is a trend) and there are pics of this Cake Corner attached (below).
Oh happy day!!!
Happy 30th Birthday Toyin!
I didn’t know what exactly to expect from this visit, but I’m glad we went. And I’m grateful for everyone that’s contributed and sacrificed to add value to the lives of these boys and other kids and people living under the poverty line. It takes a lot of commitment and while to be honest, I don’t wish I was given such a calling, I am glad to be able to contribute when I can and how I can. We don’t need birthdays or anything of the sort to remind us of the less fortunate people around us. Let’s cultivate habits of contributing increasingly meaningfully and in ways that can produce long term improvements.
I was chatting with Chidi a few days ago and got a revelation. In the world people give after they are blessed, but we are Christians, we should give because we are blessed. Don’t wait to get rich, to have more of anything. Discover what you have now and give it, because you were given it.
