Sponsor's update from Owu-Ijebu, Nigeria

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Owu-Ijebu, Nigeria from Summer 2008.

We at the SOS Children’s Village, Owu-Ijebu would once again like to express our gratitude to you for your support during the year, which enabled us to provide home for more needy children.

The number of children in need continues to increase. Presently, we have 116 children in the Village. Four boys recently moved to the boys’ youth home while 2 boys and a girl were admitted to the village.

The energy crisis has worsened the economic situation and our youths continue to find it difficult to secure employment after their vocational training and education due to non-availability of job opportunities. It is heart cheering to note that 12 of our youths who completed secondary education last year secured admission to various higher institutions this year.

The newly elected chairman of our Local Government started his official assignment on 1st of January by paying a visit to our village during which he gave donations.

Children's activities in Owu-Ijebu, Nigeria

Six of our children, 4 boys and 2 girls went to Ghana to play promotional football matches as part of fund raising activities during the African Nations Cup competition in January 2008.

Some of our children had outstanding achievements during the year. At the Musical Association of Nigeria annual competition for primary school children, 2 of our children came 1st and 3rd in the use of recorder. In another programme organised by the United Nations Funds for Population Activity for poster contest on various population issues, 3 of our children qualified for the finals and represented our state. One of them came 2nd and the other 3rd in their presentations. They all received certificates and cash awards while the 2 winners received a plaque each. The students in Free Enterprises, a university society at Tai Solorin University of Education spent a week to teach our children cards, beads and decorations making. It was an exciting time for the children as they learned new skills. Some of their products were used to decorate their family houses while others are for their personal uses.

Our children’s academic performances have been good over the year. Those with learning challenges are being assisted and schoolteachers are currently preparing the primary 6 pupils for various entrance examinations to secondary schools in September. Extra lessons are also organised to specially support children in some subjects.

Events at Owu-Ijebu

The troop 2nd Ijebu East Local Association, our scout troop organized a campfire on April 26. Scouts from different parts of the locality participated at the programme. The troop remains the National troop till 2011 due to the excellent performance of the children and their interest in scouting.

A German volunteer worker worked with us for 3 months and has departed for his country in April.

As it is the custom, staff and children celebrated the Valentine Day on February 14 exchanging gifts with one another.

Once again, we are sending our sincere thanks to our dear sponsors for all the support and commitment you have shown to us over the years. We have been able to achieve our numerous successes through your support. We say thank you very much.

B. A. Buraimoh
Village Director