A NEW YEAR HOPE FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

This report highlights Tabitha Home's activities over the past two months – March and April.

Tabitha Home is a care home dedicated to providing a supportive environment for orphans and vulnerable children. Our mission is to "Inspire Hope for Vulnerable Children" through a holistic approach that addresses their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. We operate under three major strategic priorities: Child Development, Social Integration, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship.

Our approaches include group and individual therapies, Art and Craft Training, Outdoor projects and events, and providing comprehensive 6+ support services. We also empower women and youth through focus areas like Women Empowerment, Sustainability, Child Development, and Youth Advocacy. Each month, our children explore a new theme like “Commitment in March and "Good Morals" in April, promoting essential values and life skills. We operate in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and adhere to child safeguarding policies.

ACHIEVEMENTS

- In March, we recognized the success of our enterprise arm in hosting a trade fair, promoting entrepreneurship and sustainability.

- On April 16th, one of our children celebrated her matriculation ceremony at the University of Ibadan, where she will be studying Guidance and Counseling.

- On April 22nd, our university students embarked on their first give-back project, visiting an orphanage to spread love and kindness.

OVERVIEW

Child Protection

Tabitha Home provides a safe and nurturing environment for 63 children at its Care facility, ensuring they have access to a clean, supportive, and secure space. The management adheres strictly to various policies, including Child Rights Law, Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, and Health & Safety Policy, which are regularly reviewed and implemented to guarantee the well-being and security of staff, children, visitors, and stakeholders. To further enhance safety, trained security personnel protect the facility 24/7, working closely with community security teams to maintain a secure environment, demonstrating Tabitha Home's commitment to providing a high standard of care and security for its children.

Educational Support        

At Tabitha Home, we prioritize quality education for all our beneficiaries, recognizing its transformative power in shaping their futures. To achieve this, we partner with reputable institutions to support our children's educational journey from nursery to university level.

The second term of the 2024/2025 academic session was marked by outstanding academic performance from our children. Additionally, eight of our Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) students successfully wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in March.

To further support our children's academic growth, we engage six lesson teachers who provide scheduled academic support. This supplemental instruction helps reinforce our children's understanding of various subjects and fosters a culture of academic excellence within our Home.

Cultural education is also an essential aspect of our children's development. In the course of the term, Victory School hosted a Cultural Day Celebration, which our children enthusiastically participated in. They showcased Nigeria's rich cultural heritage by representing different cultures, including Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. The event was a vibrant display of traditional attire, cultural foods, and music, providing an engaging and educational experience for our children.

Psychosocial Support

Members of the staff continued to provide psychosocial support for the children through the activities in the home such as: key working, Kids Club and. Reading culture and outdoor social activities. These activities include group therapy sessions and activities that help each child express his or herself, get to understand their strength, discover their weakness and improve on it which in turn help to contribute towards the development of a total child.

 Nutritional Support 

The children were given three square meals with mid-day snacks all through the month of March and April. The management ensured that each of the meal was well balanced with all needed nutrients for the children. Often, the children receive vitamins and cod liver oil to aid adequate growth and development. In April, one of the organization’s that donates eggs, Agrited Nigeria Limited to the Home was given an award of recognition to celebrate their consistency and generosity.

Tabitha Home Academy (Craft Plus)

The Craft Plus Academy is a specialized program designed to equip children with hands-on skills in arts and crafts, fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.

Beneficiaries initially created earrings, backpacks, and wallets, but have now expanded their product range to include perfume oils, branded notepads, keyholders, bracelets and other handmade items. These crafts provide valuable vocational training and prepare the children for sustainable livelihoods. In March, Tabitha Home Craftplus organized a mobile charity shop at the University of Ibadan from March 3^rd to 7^th. This tradefair style fundraising event showcased our unique products and helped raise awareness about Tabitha Home.

Engineering Club     

Throughout March and April, Graceville Foundation and SMART Kids Engineers continued their collaboration with Tabitha Home children. The program fostered creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning through innovative activities. Children explored basic innovations, hands-on experiences, and machine dynamics, building skills in STEM education.

 IN-HOUSE PROJECT/SOCIAL INTEGRATION

Reading Culture

The Reading Culture project at Tabitha Home is designed to promote a love for reading and support the personal development of the children in our care. It encourages intellectual growth, critical thinking, and informed decision-making through guided reading sessions and discussions.

In the month of March, the Reading Culture sessions did not hold as the children were engaged in their second-term examinations.

However, activities resumed in April, and the children explored Chapters 5 and 6 of the book Growing Up by Adeola Adekola. Chapter 5, titled "Dating, Relationships, and Sex," introduced the children to age-appropriate discussions about what dating and relationships mean at their stage of life. The chapter emphasized the importance of setting healthy boundaries, making wise decisions, and understanding how to protect themselves.

Chapter 6, "Frequently Asked Questions About Adolescence," provided answers to common concerns faced by young people during puberty and adolescence. It helped the children reflect on changes they are experiencing and encouraged open conversations with trusted adults.

Both chapters served as valuable tools in guiding the children toward healthy self-awareness, responsible choices, and respectful relationships.

 Birthday Celebration          

In March 2025, eight of our children celebrated their birthdays. Each child was celebrated with songs and prayers, though a party could not be held at the time.

In April 2025, four more children had their birthdays. Like in March, the children were joyfully celebrated with songs and prayers. On April 26th, a combined birthday party was held in honor of both the March and April celebrants, creating a joyful and memorable occasion for all the children.

Ibadan Level Up ConferenceOn March 29th, The Sparkle Hub hosted the Ibadan Level Up Conference with the theme “Transform, Thrive, Triumph” at People of Testimony Christian Center, Agbowo, Ibadan. Some of the teenagers from Tabitha Home attended the event and gained valuable insights on personal transformation, taking initiative, perseverance, and the importance of embracing their uniqueness. It was an inspiring and enlightening experience that left a lasting impression on the participants.Maturia Conference

From April 18th to 20th, sixteen children from Tabitha Home participated in the Maturia Conference Camp held at People of Testimony Christian Center, Ojoo, Ibadan. Themed “Destined for Exploits,” the camp offered a spiritually enriching experience designed to help the children discover and pursue their God-given potentials. They engaged in a variety of sessions including Bible quizzes, games, and worship, all of which contributed to building their faith, character, and leadership skills.

Holiday Highlights

The three-week holiday was a refreshing and eventful period for the children. After a demanding 13-week school term filled with educational activities, classes, tests, and examinations, the break provided a much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge. During the holiday, the children participated in a variety of engaging indoor games, outdoor sports, and physical exercises, and movie nights, promoting both fun and wellness.

Galilee Experience

On April 21st, eight of our children attended a program titled “Galilee Experience” held at Rosebud Schools, Akobo, Ibadan. Designed in the form of a picnic, the event provided a relaxed and fun-filled atmosphere. The children participated in a variety of board games and recreational activities, creating meaningful opportunities for bonding, learning, and enjoyment..

Tabitha Changemakers

Tabitha Changemakers is an inspiring initiative of Tabitha Home, where university students in the home are empowered to give back by sharing the same love, care, and support they once received. In April, the Changemakers carried out their very first project, centered around the theme of “kindness”, at Total Parentage Orphanage. Through mentoring sessions, fun games, and bonding activities, they demonstrated what it means to lead with compassion and give with purpose.

CONCLUSION

Tabitha Home remains steadfast in its mission to transform the lives of vulnerable children through shelter, support, and empowerment.

In March, the theme “Commitment” guided all in-house and administrative activities, reinforcing the value of dedication and responsibility among staff and children. That same month, Victory School hosted its Cultural Day Celebration, which some of our children participated in, celebrating diversity and heritage.

In April, the focus shifted to the theme “Good Morals,” encouraging character development and ethical behavior across the home. We are proud to announce that one of our beneficiaries, gained admission into the University of Ibadan to study Guidance and Counselling. Additionally, nine of our children sat for their JAMB examinations, taking significant steps toward their academic futures.

Links:

• Matriculation ceremony of one of the children
• The making of one of our craft items