‘‘Children are easily influenced by what they see in their environment. I understand the impact growing up in Diobu could have on children. So, I decided to start an Initiative to engage them positively to ensure that they are not negatively influenced by the activities in the Diobu environment. Since my team and I began working with the children, we have seen positive changes in their academic performance and social skills.”
– Kinikanwo Amadi (Founder of Kini Amadi Foundation and Diobu Project, and KIR Foundation Partner for the National Children’s Day 2024.).
The above commitment by Kini Amadi Foundation is in line with the statement by Nelson Mandela; “Our children are our future and one of our basic responsibilities is to care for them in the best and most compassionate manner possible”. National Children’s Day, which is celebrated in Nigeria on 27th May every year, holds immense significance in recognizing the rights, welfare, and well-being of children in Nigeria. This observance emphasizes the importance of nurturing and protecting the youngest members of the Nigerian society, highlighting their unique needs and contributions. Celebrating National Children’s Day serves as a reminder to our society to prioritize children’s rights, ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, safety, and opportunities for growth and development.
It has been 21 years since Nigeria passed into law the Child Rights Act of 2003 which contains aspirations and stipulated beneficial provisions for the Nigerian child. However, according to a report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) there are about 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. This is indeed terrifying because United Nations 2022 Data reveals that 70% of children in Nigeria are not achieving basic foundational educational skills. One of the major factors attributed to the lack of basic literacy skills by the World Literacy Foundation is the lack of books and writing materials.
Another quote by Nelson Mandela emphasizes the importance of education; “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.”
Therefore, because of Keeping It Real (KIR) Foundation’s commitment to promoting the sustainable development goal 4 (Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education), last year, we decided to provide educational support to underserved children in the slums of Diobu by giving them access to learning materials (storybooks, textbooks and writing materials) directly or by setting up Reading Corners. Books have the potential to transform lives, as reading fosters educational development, boosts self-esteem, enhances confidence, and improves reading skills. Thus, by instilling a love for reading at an early age, this project positively impacts children, empowering them to succeed academically and throughout their lives.
Thus, in 2023, on International Literacy Day, we sent 150 children like Udoh in the slum settlement of Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt back to school with learning materials. Also, on the 3rd of February this year to commemorate our 13th Anniversary, we set up a Reading Corner with a bookshelf filled with 162 books for 400 children in St. Andrew’s Primary School in Mile 1 Diobu in partnership with Port-Harcourt Global Shapers Hub and since then our team of volunteers together with the members of the Port-Harcourt Global Shapers Hub have been going to read to the children and support them with learning materials.
On Saturday, the 25th of May 2024, we are partnering with JCI Trans Amadi to celebrate the Nigeria’s National Children Day with the beneficiaries of Kini Amadi Foundation with a Special Reading Session. Children like David will get refreshment and learning materials (a Drawstring bag containing a storybook and writing materials). These educational materials, although might seem basic to you, but to a child from a low-income family whose parents cannot afford them, they are means to effective learning and active interaction in school which are fundamental for quality education.
Furthermore, on National Children’s Day, Monday, May 27th, we will host a Reading Competition among children from 10 underserved public primary schools, including the pupils of St. Andrews Primary School Mile 1, Diobu and some children from Kini Amadi Foundation to promote a reading culture, healthy competition and to improve their communication skills.
Indeed, like Nelson Mandela said, “Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future”. We agree with this statement and that is why KIR Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that underserved children like David and his peers become lifelong learners because we know their future will become brighter if they learn and love to read!
We encourage you to join us on this mission of helping underserved children to become lifelong learners so they can have a brighter future because together we can create sustainable change for our children who are the future of Nigeria.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The essence of the National Children’s Day project is to bring stakeholders together for our common future; – ‘Our children’! You too, can become a part of the movement when you,
‘Support Children to Read for a Brighter Future’.
Here is how:
1. Financial Support: Your investment of Four Thousand Naira (₦4,000) will provide writing materials, a Drawstring bag, and a storybook for an underserved child to learn effectively.
ACCOUNT DETAILS:
KEEPING IT REAL FOUNDATION GT BANK -0052683160
- In-Kind Donations: Learning resources, school bags and new or gently used storybooks will make a significant impact on the lives of the children.
- Volunteer Engagement: Volunteer with your family, friends, and co-workers to read to the children. The memories you create with the children will motivate them to become lifelong learners. Visit our website to learn more and to sign up.
- Promotion and Awareness: Help us reach a wider audience and garner support by promoting the project and raising awareness about our mission on social media. We will acknowledge your involvement on our social media platforms.
This National Children’s Day, together we can support underserved children to read for a brighter future!
To discuss your involvement, kindly send a message to our WhatsApp.