Child sponsorship update from Abuja, Nigeria

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Abuja (Gwagwalada), Nigeria from Winter 2008.

We are pleased to report the progress in our SOS Children’s Village, Gwagwalada and to share our sincere gratitude from the children and staff of our Village.
At present, 54 children: 33 girls and 21 boys are accommodated in the village. Their ages range from 1 month old to 9 years old. Twelve professional Mothers care for the children in 12 family houses with 7 Aunties assisting them. Twenty-four new children: 12 girls and 12 boys were admitted to the village. Admission continues until the village reaches the capacity of 120 children.

During the holidays, the children participated in the march past organised by Gwagwalada Area Council. On Children’s Day, they acted a short play focused on “Child’s Rights”. The children were taken round Gwagwalada and its environs for sight-seeing on Easter day. They went to the General Post Office, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, National Mathematical Centre, Museum, Art and Culture Centre and the Zoological Garden on excursion. They attended summer lessons during the holidays. Plans are underway to organise training on Arts, Crafts and Bead-making for them next year.

Group counseling for children with challenges in educational, social and behavioral spheres has been consistent. Individual counseling sessions with some children with different problems also is ongoing, and those requiring specialists’ help were referred accordingly.

The Gwagwalada Village clocked one year old on the 8th of November 2008. The anniversary programme lasted for two days. On the first day, children, mothers and coworkers went round Gwagwalada, our host community, to publicise and create awareness on who we are. On the second day, the children and staff went round Abuja metropolis to see places of interest.

We visited Miatama Amusement park where the children had nice time on variety of rides and playing equipment. We later moved to National Park and Zoo where we shared happy moments with the children playing and seeing different kinds of animals.

The Village has had challenges of irregular water supply. The borehole sunk at inception of the village did not supply water hence we resorted to buying water as an interim solution. Arrangement is being made for the Water Board to provide another borehole next year.
We appreciate your support and commitment in this humanitarian effort of creating a world of hope and peace through your generosity, and we look forward to your continued friendship.

We thank you and wish you and all your loved ones Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year celebration.

Kind regards.
Yours sincerely

Mr. A. Adetola
Ag. Village Director