The Anwojue Hope Foundation (AHF) recently held a sensitisation and outreach programme for parents and caregivers in Itele Community, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. The programme, themed "Nurturing the Future Together," aimed to address the alarming rate of child malnutrition and abuse in the society. Over 100 pregnant women and nursing mothers participated in sessions on positive parenting, practical child nutrition, and responsible upbringing.
According to the Foundation's Project Manager, Mrs Busayo Soyebo-Eniade, the outreach was driven by the need to address the root cause of reported cases of child abuse, malnutrition, and other forms of abuse against children. The programme sought to sensitise parents and caregivers on positive parenting, beyond just distributing relief materials. Soyebo-Eniade stated that the Foundation's annual tradition, held on the birthday of its founder, Omoba Adeolu Omokayode Anwojue, usually involves medical outreach and food support, but this year, they decided to focus on addressing the root cause of child abuse.
The outreach featured sessions on various topics, including "Mother and Child: Breastfeeding, Nutrition and Positive Parenting," delivered by Dr Yaya Babatunde. Dr Babatunde stressed the importance of regular antenatal care, adequate rest, and balanced diet during pregnancy. She also emphasised the need for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and demonstrated proper breastfeeding positions.
Other sessions during the outreach focused on positive parenting, mother-child bonding, stress management, food hygiene, and hand washing, as well as the preparation of affordable, nutritious complementary meals using locally available food. The programme aimed to equip parents and caregivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to raise responsible children.
AHF Coordinator in Ijebu, Mr Ebibo Kebi Austine, stated that the Foundation remains committed to improving maternal and child wellbeing in underserved communities. He called for partnerships to scale up the initiative, ensuring that more communities benefit from the programme.
As part of the outreach, the Foundation distributed free baby items to participants, including diapers, wipes, baby milk, noodles, baby bonds, and cereals. The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful, and promised to implement the lessons learned from the outreach.
The Anwojue Hope Foundation's initiative is a step towards addressing the critical issues of child abuse and malnutrition in Ogun State. By empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge and skills, the Foundation aims to contribute to the development of responsible children and a better society.
Key points
- The Anwojue Hope Foundation held an outreach programme in Itele Community, Ogun State, to sensitise parents on positive parenting and address child abuse and malnutrition.
- The programme featured sessions on breastfeeding, nutrition, and positive parenting, as well as the distribution of free baby items to participants.
- The Foundation aims to improve maternal and child wellbeing in underserved communities and has called for partnerships to scale up the initiative.
