Organisation: Faith Clinic Foundation Title: Support Education: Help Us Provide School Materials and Fees for Underprivileged Children in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria Introduction Education is a fundamental right that every child should have access to. However, in many parts of the world, underprivileged children face barriers that prevent them from obtaining a quality education. One such place is the Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, where many children struggle to attend school due to lack of resources and financial constraints. To address this issue and support education in the community, we have launched a campaign to provide school materials and fees for underprivileged children in Ugwunagbo. Read on to learn more about how you can make a difference and help these children have a brighter future through education. https://faithcfoundation.com/  The importance of education for underprivileged children  The importance of education for underprivileged children cannot be overstated. Education is not only a basic human right but also a powerful tool for social and economic development. It has the potential to break the cycle of poverty and provide opportunities for underprivileged children to have a brighter future. Access to Knowledge and Information: Education equips children with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the world around them. It opens doors to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities. It allows children to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and expand their horizons. Empowerment: Education empowers underprivileged children by giving them a voice and the confidence to express themselves. It nurtures their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and encourages them to think independently. With education, children can become active participants in their communities, contributing to positive change and development. Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Education is a key factor in reducing poverty. It equips underprivileged children with the skills and knowledge needed to secure better job opportunities in the future. Education increases their chances of earning a higher income, which can positively impact their families and communities. By investing in the education of underprivileged children, we are investing in their future and breaking the cycle of poverty. Health and Well-being: Education plays a crucial role in promoting good health and well-being. It can empower children with the knowledge and awareness of healthy practices, sanitation, and disease prevention. Educated individuals are more likely to make informed decisions about their health and have access to better healthcare services. Social Integration: Education fosters social integration and cohesion. It brings children from diverse backgrounds together, promoting understanding, tolerance, and respect for each other’s differences. It helps create a more inclusive society where every child has an equal opportunity to succeed and contribute. By supporting education for underprivileged children in the Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, we are not only providing them with the tools they need to succeed but also creating a ripple effect of positive change in their lives and communities. Together, let’s make a difference and help these children overcome the barriers they face in accessing a quality education. The challenges faced by underprivileged children in accessing education in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria The challenges faced by underprivileged children in accessing education in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria Despite the importance of education for underprivileged children, many obstacles stand in their way when it comes to accessing quality education in the Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. These challenges hinder their ability to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for themselves. Lack of Infrastructure: One of the primary challenges faced by underprivileged children is the lack of proper infrastructure. Many schools in the region suffer from overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, and a lack of basic resources such as desks, chairs, textbooks, and writing materials. This scarcity of resources makes it difficult for children to engage in meaningful learning experiences. Financial Constraints: Many families in the Ugwunagbo Local Government Area struggle to make ends meet and prioritize basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare over education. This financial constraint often leads to children being unable to afford school fees, uniforms, and other educational materials. As a result, they are forced to drop out of school or are unable to attend school regularly. Gender Inequality: Gender inequality is another significant challenge faced by underprivileged children in accessing education. Discrimination against girls, patriarchal norms, and cultural practices often limit their access to schooling. Girls are more likely to be engaged in household chores, forced into early marriages, or expected to contribute to family income instead of pursuing an education. Distance and Transportation: In the Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, many underprivileged children live in remote areas where schools are scarce. The long distances they must travel to reach the nearest school often pose challenges. Lack of transportation infrastructure and safety concerns make it difficult for these children, especially girls, to attend school regularly. Lack of Qualified Teachers: Another challenge is the shortage of qualified teachers in the region. Many schools struggle to attract and retain skilled educators due to low salaries, inadequate training opportunities, and a lack of incentives. This shortage hampers the quality of education provided to underprivileged children. Limited Access to Technology: In the digital age, access to technology is crucial for quality education. However, underprivileged children in the Ugwunagbo Local Government Area often lack access to computers, internet connectivity, and other technological resources. This digital divide further widens the gap between them and their more privileged counterparts. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to prioritize investment in education infrastructure, provide financial assistance to underprivileged families, promote gender equality and empower girls, improve transportation facilities, enhance teacher training programs, and bridge the digital divide by ensuring access to technology in schools. By addressing these challenges, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment that enables underprivileged children in the Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, to overcome barriers and access quality education. Together, let’s work towards breaking the cycle of poverty and building a brighter future for these

The UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr Mathias Schmale, made this known when he visited Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi, stressing that the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) could not be overlooked The United Nations (UN) has stated that the humanitarian crisis in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps in Benue State is presently worse than those in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, particularly Borno State. The UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr Mathias Schmale, made this known when he visited Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi, stressing that the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) could not be overlooked. According to a release, the UN official said, “What I see in the IDPs camps in Benue is worse than what I saw in Borno. We urge you to help the team to identify key issues in order to find solutions to the insecurity crisis bedeviling the state, we are keen with government who are willing to bring lasting solutions – relocating them (IDPs) back to their homes.” Governor Alia on his part decried the extent of humanitarian crisis his administration on assumption of office had encountered. He said, “An enormous humanitarian crisis occasioned by various forms of conflicts and natural disasters, which has left us with internally displaced persons, covering 37,412 households with a total population of 2,124,000. https://saharareporters.com/2023/07/26/internally-displaced-persons-benue-state-now-worse-north-east-region-un-official   “Out of this number, 241,342 persons are in 13 IDPs camps while the balance of 1,882,658 live within their host communities. The plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) cannot be overlooked. SEMA has been directed to put together a resettlement plan, which will be shared with your office to solicit for intervention,” the statement added. We the members of Faith Clinic Foundation as a Local Non-governmental Organisation are also raising emergency fund to assist Internal Displaced Persons in different (IDPs camps). We’re requesting your volunteering support and donation.

REPORTS from some communities in Igbo land indicate that harmful widowhood practices are still going on, in fact, it is on the rise The ill treatments range from denial of rights, to banishment from communities for flimsy reasons, among others. Investigation shows that there are still many obnoxious laws against widows in various Igbo communities. In a community in Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, unwholesome widowhood practice of forcing a widow to drink the water used in washing the body of the deceased husband as a proof of her innocence in the death of her husband, is still in practice. However, some communities have stopped or modernised some of the practices like reducing the mourning period for a widow to enable her continue with her business or job. Weighing in on this, a woman leader and president of Catholic Women Organisation in Ndakwu, Okija, Mrs. Chioka Okoli agreed that even though some of the age long practices have been dropped, most of the treatment being meted out to widows in many communities still border on ill treatment. She said: “I see it as unfair treatment, the habit of sitting a woman in an enclosure during the burial of her husband and people just come around the secluded place to wave at her in a sympathetic manner. “The issue of brothers in-law pestering a widow to give them details of her husband’s property is also still common and this is causing so much rift in many families. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/05/rising-cases-of-harmful-widowhood-practices-in-igbo-communities/Faith Clinic Foundation is stepping in to assist some children of the widows for the payment of their school fees and accommodations, feeding as well and pleading with the people who can understand to help, advocating and raising a voice against the inhuman treatment against women and widows as well in this present society   Widow’ S Support

30% of women, girls experience sexual abuse in Nigeria – Tallen Aug 4, 2021 The Minister of Women Affairs, Sen. Pauline Tallen, has said 30 per cent of women and girls between the ages of 15-49 experience different forms of sexual abuse. Tallen said this, on Tuesday in Abuja, at a panel discussion to commemorate the International Day of the Midwife 2021, and the Orange World Campaign Flag-off. The theme of the event was, “Access to Services For GBV Survivors in Nigeria: A Call to Action.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the advocacy event was organised by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as part of its mandate of engaging health professional associations in ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Nigeria. Tallen attributed the rising number sexual abuse, especially in the North East, to prevailing factors like child marriage and terrorism. The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Anthonia Ekpa, said Nigeria experienced different forms of sexual abuse, and that the patriarchal nature of the society The situation has further worsened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which has been described as a shadow pandemic. “The pandemic has seen a surge on reports of gender-based violence cases nationwide, which has led to the diversion of priorities and resources to address these issues. “There is continuous advocacy and ongoing amendments to existing policies to accommodate best practices in combating this pandemic,” she explained. Tallen noted that a recent study commissioned by her Ministry and the United Nations (UN) partners in Nigeria, with support from the Norwegian government found out that 28 per cent of Nigerians aged 25-29 had experienced some form of physical violence since age 15. “The study also reports that 15 per cent of women experienced physical violence, and the level of exposure to the risk of violence varied based on marital status. “It said 44 per cent of divorced, separated or widowed women reported experiencing violence since age 15, while 25 per cent of married women or those living with their spouses have experienced violence,” she said. She added that the most common acts of violence against women in the country included sexual harassment, physical violence, harmful traditional practices, emotional and psychological violence and socio-economic violence. “What do Nigerian women want to see? Sustaining advocacy and empowerment. “As I keep reiterating in my past discussions on GBV, there is need to intensify community level advocacy on gender based violence from federal to state, down to the grassroots,” said Tallen. She added that there was need to take up challenges as they emerged, as the statistics on prevalence of GBV were scary. “The issue of gender-based violence is at the center of human rights; there are two sides to it, which are gender inequality and violence against women,” Tallen stressed. Ms. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary General, speaking at the event virtually, said there was no excuse for GBV survivors not to have access to services in the country. “I welcome all the collective and comprehensive actions on ending GBV in Nigeria. This is the kind of leadership the world needs and the UN stands ready to support you,” Mohammed added. READ ALSO: Lagos Lawmakers urge Buhari to rejig security architecture The Director-General of the National Agency for the prohibition of trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Imaan Sulaiman –Ibrahim, said the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), was fully implemented in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Ibrahim urged women and girls to report all forms of violence and human degradation to NAPTIP. ”We have more trained and equipped personnel on violence issues than the police. They take it up and report to the police and then follow up,” she said. Also speaking, Ms Elisabeth Mueller, UNFPA Representative in Nigeria, said in tackling Gender-based violence, Nigeria must create an enabling environment through collaboration and avoid blaming and shaming. “Everytime we talk about Gender-based violence, we are talking about real people like us who are subjected to several forms of violence,” Mueller noted. According to her, it is worrisome to know that Nigerians do not amplify the cases of violence women face on a daily basis. “Always remember to show love and care to girls and women. We should be able to pass the appropriate message across to people. We should also put a human face to our stories,” she added. She said about 18 million women in Nigeria had stories to tell regarding the issues of Sexual and Gender Based violence. “We need to support women and girls by standing up for each other always. We need to give them assurance that they will get justice. When we hold each others hand, then we are on the way to ending sexual and gender based violence,” she stated. (NAN) Vanguard News Nigeria     MORE IN FAITH CLINIC FOUNDATION Food insecurity looms Hunger has no tribe, religion or party. Food insecurity looms in Northern Nigeria — UN A UN official said an estimated 13 million people in northern… Nigeria: At least 115 people killed by security forces in four months in country’s Southeast | Amnesty International

  We are making progress. In Obanliku local government area in cross river state, Nigeria, we’ve worked with communities to change attitudes and beliefs about child marriage, ensuring young girls go to school instead. In Northwest Nigeria, we are working with faith leaders and survivors of violence to reduce stigma and change behaviour, resulting in a decrease in violence.  We don’t just help children out of dangerous situations, we work with and among communities to address the root causes of violence that often lead to abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and other forms of violence against children. Our community-led systems approach to ending violence, combined with Faith Clinic Foundation’s global It Takes a World to End Violence campaign is catalysing a global movement of people committed to keeping children safe from harm.

By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha; Bassey Anthony, Uyo and Chris Njoku, Owerri How eight-year-old boy was swept away in Anambra Flood victim rescued, hospitalized in Owerri Residents groan as floods rage in Akwa Ibom communities These are not the best of times for many communities in different parts of the country where the rainy season is wreaking havoc. From Lagos and Anambra states where the floods have claimed lives to Imo and Ebonyi states where homes are vehicles were destroyed and roads were washed away, it has been tales of sorrow and tears. The development has heightened fears of more flood-impelled disasters ahead since the rainy is still far from ending. Residents of Nkpor community in Idemilli North Local Government Area Anambra State were left in mourning penultimate Sunday after an eight-year-old boy was swept a gully by a combination of floods from the premises of Immaculate Hearts Sisters Convent and Our Ladies Industrial Centre. The Nation gathered that the corpse of the deceased boy was not recovered until five days later at a location about half a kilometre away from the spot where he was swept into the gully with one of his hands broken. The victim, identified as Izuchukwu, was said to be returning home with his mother around 7.30 pm when the incident occurred. https://thenationonlineng.net/sorrow-tears-as-floods-claim-lives-destroy-homes-in-anambra-imo-others/amp/ Give Aid

We believe that child marriage is an extreme violation of children’s rights – it brings down the darkness in the life of a girl and destroys childhoods.” – Young Leaders’ Open Letter to Decision MakersChildren and young people have issued a powerful open letter to decision-makers calling for a ban on child marriage. THEY ARE SPEAKING TRUTH, HOLDING LEADERS TO ACCOUNT AND DEMANDING CHANGE. Excerpts from the Open Letter on Child Marriage: Open Letter on Child Marriage (1)“Every child in the community needs to know their rights in relation to child marriage laws and policies. Governments should make people in school and college aware of the bad effects of child marriage and popularize the national helpline number so people can report cases of child marriage. The government should also ensure people who are involved with child marriage face strict punishment and let people know about the punishment.” “And we want our governments to monitor and enforce laws which protect children’s rights. We need a social movement against child marriage with community, government and NGOs working together to make society violence free for every girl.” “Please join with us in this goal and sign a commitment to end child marriage. Don’t wait another day to take action with us.” Sign your commitment to end child marriageJOIN YOUNG LEADERS IN THEIR CALL FOR CHANGE From the Open Letter on Child Marriage: In order to protect our childhood, we should end child marriage. Because no one has the right to ruin our childhood. Since children are the present and future of the nation, how can you ensure the future in the middle of the four walls when a child gets married? We must fight to save children’s future, not for the girls only, but for the country and the world. https://www.faithcfoundation.com/2022/07/an-obnoxious-and-odd-culture-in-becheve-tribe-in-obanliku-local-government-area-in-cross-river-state-nigeria/ So, we ask: 1. Ban any child marriage under the age of 18 in all the countries of the world. 2. Prohibit the option of girls being married off with parental consent. This puts children at high risk as in many rural communities, people respect customary leadership more than national law, and continue to marry off their children 3. Empower girls and boys to be bold and courageous to report child marriages to the local authority. This will help so much because the children themselves are against this practice. 4. Stop the view of girls as a burden and child marriage as a solution to end poverty. Both are not true. 5. Provide more and better education for girls and keep everyone at school

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND RESILIENCE FCF ensures that its recovery and development programs build family and community resilience to natural and man made crises by incorporating relevant elements of Disaster Risk Reduction. In countries that suffer recurrent disasters, FCF facilitates communities and families to more effectively protect their lives and livelihoods and mitigate the effects of disasters. Disaster Risk Reduction activities focus on preparedness efforts in disaster-prone communities—those hit cyclically by floods, droughts, typhoons, and other crises. FCF works with local leaders and community members in activities, conversations and approaches that help save lives, strengthen community resilience, and prevent lasting damage. Every $1 spent on disaster preparedness saves $7-$10 in disaster response. HOW WE DO ITReducing Risk and Strengthening Preparedness: FCF’ approach to Disaster Risk Reduction builds on people’s capacities to better prepare for disaster. Preparation can help save a family a lifetime of savings and assets, as well as protect lives by knowing what to do when disaster strikes. These activities include: Community risk mapping; Establishment of early warning systems; Preparation of evacuation kits; and Developing evacuation plans. ​Bolstering Resilience for Recovery: Long before disasters take place, FCF works with disaster-prone communities on methods and practices that bolster their resilience in disaster’s aftermath, thereby reducing the lasting impact and quickening their speedy recovery. These activities include: Diversifying livelihoods; Protecting assets, such as protecting water sources from contamination in flood prone areas, and promoting safe storage of seed and animal feed; Promoting improved practices that people undertake using their own resources, like modifying the use of locally available building materials to construct disaster resilient housing; and Connecting communities with governments for their response and support in a crisis. Prioritizing Local Participation, Leadership and Economy: Community members play a critical role in the conversations, strategies, and leadership that help to protect them in crisis and allow them a safer, speedier recovery. FCF also anchors activities in ways that support the local market—through cash or voucher systems, and other interventions that help to keep the local economy going. This approach contributes to the restoration of the economic fabric, which is a key component of sustainable disaster recovery. At the same time, working with communities to improve housing so that it is more resilient to recurrent disasters protects families when cyclones or other crises strike, and reduces post-disaster reconstruction needs so that people can focus on resuming their lives.

ABOUT FOOD SECURITY AND LIVELIHOODS WHAT WE DO Emergencies can cause extreme hardship. There is often destruction of homes and infrastructure, like roads and bridges, plus a breakdown in normal economic processes. As a result, people in disaster-stricken areas often lack access to food or are unable to earn money to buy food. FCF organizes cash-for-work initiatives that put people back to work as quickly as possible after a crisis. SHORT-TERM PROGRAMMING OBJECTIVES These programs provide food for those who are highly food insecure. In most cases, these programs target victims of man-made emergencies (i.e. war) and natural disasters (i.e. hurricanes, earthquakes) in addition to vulnerable populations. Short-term food security programs are usually one of two types: emergency programs, which provide food aid and medical and agricultural supplies to victims and refugees; and safety net programs, which distribute basic food and food supplements to vulnerable populations, like children, the elderly and the mentally ill. MEDIUM-TERM PROGRAMMING OBJECTIVES Medium-term programs focus on consumption needs and investments in food security and more closely fit into the traditional food security components of availability, access and utilization. Programs focus on three main sectors: 1. Agriculture (availability) In the agricultural sector, FCF’ programs aim to improve household food availability by increasing staple food and livestock production, nurturing home gardening, improving storage facilities and investing in agricultural infrastructure. 2. Income generation (access) In income generation, programs aim to improve household access to food by increasing non-farm income and savings. To achieve this objective, interventions include microfinance programs and increased cash crop production. 3. Health (utilization) Health sector projects aim to improve the individual’s ability to utilize food. Health programs typically revolve around four main areas: child survival, maternal and child health, improved sanitation infrastructure and HIV and AIDS education.   ​LONG-TERM PROGRAMMING OBJECTIVES Long-term programs focus on building a foundation for sustainable food security. These programs seek to change the conditions under which long-term hunger and poverty develop and persist. Programs focus on areas such as education, natural resource management and peace building. In education, we seek to develop human capital by providing literacy and math skills for adults, encouraging school enrollment and attendance among children, especially girls, and by improving educational infrastructure. In natural resource management, FCF promotes agricultural sustainability through projects in soil and water conservation, reforestation, and improved agricultural practices. In peace building, FCF promotes justice through peace and reconciliation programming.   HOW WE DO IT Focused & Long-Reaching: The objectives of FCF’ food security programming are twofold: to alleviate immediate hunger through increased consumption and to encourage sustainable food security by changing the conditions under which hunger develops and persists. Empowered: FCF looks beyond addressing immediate needs with food, water and shelter. Our response to an emergency often includes paying residents in cash or food in exchange for help with reconstruction. The work that community members do can help mitigate the effects of the next disaster—whether it be war, food shortages or severe weather. Cash-for-work supports local employment and income. Integrated: We integrate our food security and livelihoods programming with our activities to restore shelters and settlements, improve water and sanitation, protect highly vulnerable populations, and help communities become more resilient to future disasters