A Christian missionary organization, Afri-mission and Evangelical Network, has taken a significant step towards supporting women and children displaced by insecurity in Nigeria. The group recently enrolled 178 out-of-school children in Abuja and provided them with starter packs, including school bags and books. This initiative is part of the organization's efforts to bring succour to families affected by terrorism and insurgency across the country. The children have been registered at various schools in Abuja and will commence learning in the current academic session.
In addition to the back-to-school program, Afri-mission and Evangelical Network also enrolled 60 displaced women in adult literacy classes. The organization aims to empower these women with basic vocational and academic skills, enabling them to become economically independent. According to Oscar Amaechina, the president of the group, the women were selected through a rigorous process that involved reaching out to numerous displaced communities across Abuja. This initiative is a collaboration with partners, including World Outreach Ministries International and Ignited Church Lavonia Georgia United States.
The organization recently rented apartments for over 70 displaced families in Abuja, providing them with a safe and secure living environment. Many of the children enrolled in the back-to-school program had never attended school since they were born, while others were forced to drop out after their families were displaced by terrorists. The organization's efforts aim to provide these children with an opportunity to learn and thrive, despite the challenges they have faced. The progress of the children will be monitored, and additional support will be provided throughout their studies.
Josephine Amaechina, the Senior Pastor of Antioch Christian Centre and director of Afri-mission's directorate of Humanitarian Service, emphasized that the project is aimed at bringing hope to families displaced by insecurity and insurgency. She noted that many of these households have been abandoned by their breadwinners, making it difficult for them to access basic necessities. The back-to-school and women enrollment program is a declaration of hope, providing an opportunity for these families to rebuild their lives.
At the event, cheques of N50,000 were presented to 10 students who were unable to register for their WAEC exams due to financial constraints. Beneficiaries of the program, including Akor Grace and Agnes Omotosho, expressed their gratitude to Afri-mission and Evangelical Network for the opportunity to access education. Akor Grace, one of the women enrolled in the adult literacy classes, is excited to learn how to read and write, while Agnes Omotosho is grateful for the organization's support in paying her children's WAEC fees and registering her in the adult literacy classes.
Oscar Amaechina explained that the organization initially targeted 200 children but was only able to empower 178 due to limited funds. He emphasized that this is just the first step in the process of empowering these families and that the organization plans to scale up its efforts as more funds become available. Amaechina believes that empowering women and children is crucial to rebuilding and transforming communities affected by insecurity and insurgency.
The Afri-mission and Evangelical Network's initiative has been well-received by the displaced communities in Abuja, with hundreds of families in attendance at the event. The organization's efforts demonstrate the impact that can be made through collaborative partnerships and targeted support. As the organization continues to provide support to displaced families, it remains committed to creating practical opportunities for women and girls to learn, acquire skills, and become economically empowered.
Key points
- Afri-mission and Evangelical Network enroll 178 out-of-school children, empower 60 displaced women in Abuja.
- Organization provides starter packs, including school bags and books, to enrolled children.
- Initiative aims to bring hope and empowerment to families displaced by insecurity and insurgency.
