The kids of the Divine Wounds of Jesus Christ Orphanage home, Kubwa, Abuja literally had a Good Friday as the Hands on Deck team brought smiles to their faces with gifts and a lot of other memorable experiences.
Following a successful crowdpainting—Hands on Deck 1.0—at the Ondo state children's home in Akure, CSI media emphasised their commitment to corporate social responsibility by taking the train to Abuja.
In a mix of exciting colours, bright ones—yellow and sky blue, gifts and a memorable party, Hands on Deck volunteers ensured that the kids at the Abuja home had an amazing Friday that they would not forget so soon. A lit Easter holidays.
There was music, dancing, bouncing castle, popcorn stand, board games, food and drinks to go round; ensuring that the kids enjoyed themselves and saw colours beyond words and the walls.
In addition to the gifts, SeedDev curators trained over 100 kids at the orphanage in basic software development using scratch and introduction to digital literacy. Using rhymes and simple visual illustrations, the curators helped to spark digital interest in the kids, igniting little "fire" that may someday become a burning desire to create amazing world class digital solutions.
SeedDev's Programmes Manager (Middle East & Africa), Watti-Boaz expressed the excitement of the team on working with the children. "We were able to give them a generic overview of computing, computation thinking, programming as well as career paths in tech. Working with the kids was a very exciting experience for us, as we inspired them to understand the importance of digital skills in achieving success in any career they choose", he added.
The Director of the Home, Ekezimuka Charles expressed excitement at seeing young people give back to the society in terms of charity and appreciated the Hands-on Deck team/partners for their efforts at making the kids comfortable and happy.
"It is amazing to see young people actually get involved and do something valuable for the kids. This gesture will teach the kids that no matter where you are coming from, irrespective of backgrounds, you should always remember to give back to the community/society"
- Ekezimuka Charles (Director of Homes, Divine Wounds of Jesus Christ Orphanage)
On her part, the project manager 1, Martina Awopetu, appreciated the partners, volunteers and those who gave gifts for their efforts in making the children happy. "A lot of people gave their time, money, shoes, foodstuff, gifts and even services to the kids. Fashion designer, Nifesi and Taking over with Talents group, ensured that the kids were elegantly dressed for the event; the fact that children slept with so much joy and hope for tomorrow gave me much joy", she added.
The Divine Wounds of Jesus Christ Orphanage home also runs a school system and a rehabilitation home for vulnerable kids.
The kids got clothes, bunks, beds, cupboards, books and other learning materials, slippers, foodstuff and a whole of other gifts.
I am glad to be a part of this inspiring project. It was amazing to see the home get conducive makeover and the exciting feeling this gave the kids. The children party gave room for the kids to socialize and express themselves in songs, dancing and other performance in front of crowd of engaging volunteers. Hands on Deck went beyond beautifying the home to giving the children memorable lovely experiences. It gives me great joy to be a part of this project- Oto-obong Cassie Mendie, Project Manager II
Like the previous edition in Akure, the Hands on Deck project also beamed the spot light on the needs of the kids as some of the other partners have promised to give the school at the orphanage a facelift and help in ensuring a conducive environment for learning.
Some of the partners for the event include Wilsons lemonade, Doxa events, Taking over with our Talents(TOWOT), Grace for all foundation, Yolo, SeedDev and a host of others.
Mrs Folashade Samuels (Mama Jazz) encouraged the kids to work hard and be particular about becoming excellent in their gifts, talents and education. She was emotional as she related her experience on how education helped her weather the storms on the path of becoming who she is today. She also promised to contribute her own quota towards making sure some of the kids get the needed education to become great people in life.
#CSIhumans birthed the idea of creating hope for these kids in dire need and our partners and sponsors made it entirely possible. There are no praises to quantify their impact on this project, and the only way to thank them is asking that they stay with us, maintain support, as we maintain our drive towards ensuring continuous impact
- Toyosi Ayeleso (Partner, CSi Media)
Colours mean a lot, especially when it coincides with giving kids colourful experiences; the train continues and the next edition will hold in October 2019 in a city to be announced very soon. In creating the society of our dreams, all hands must be on deck.
More pictures below:
