Dolly Children Foundation, (DCF) has rounded off this year’s summer training program by equipping over 1,000 students, with school supplies, to enable them return for the new academic session.

During the free one-month  programme, which was held in Makogi and Magboro community, in Ogun State, over 1,000 students drawn from both private and public schools engaged in academic work, as well as non-academic works such as skills acquisition, bead making, upcycling, tie & dye, soap making amongst others.

The students, who were also taught coding by professionals, also gained insights on what to do in case of a fire emergency, sex education, how to speak up and protect themselves against sexual abuse. Children with special talents were equally recognised and mentored.

Exceptional was Joseph Danladi, a- 14-year-old art prodigy who wowed everyone present with his skills and ability to create and capture moments, emotions and surroundings, with a pencil and sketchbook.

Also was Daniel Oladimeji, a recent secondary school leaving certificate and a beneficiary of last year’s DCF summer programme, where he learnt upcycling.

With the support of DCF, Oladimeji began making a living with the acquired skill, as well as teaching others.

At the end of the summer program, 20 girls were selected to embark on a two-day excursion on STEM tech projects.

A number of NGOs who supported the Foundation include; Gamaliel & Susan Onosode Foundation (GAMSU), RCCG My Father’s House, Salford, UK, UGIP Foundation, Lifesaver Intervention Initiative and The Protect Her Rape Initiative.

Sanitary Aid Initiative had a brief talk with the secondary school females present and also gave out free pads to them. Life Savers Intervention Initiative taught the students upcycling while  REEL Foundation training them on coding. Christ Apostolic Faith Ministry, Magboro also offered their church premises as a venue for the programme.

Executive Director, DCF, Mrs Adedolapo Osuntuyi, said, “We had started with a target of running one summer camp but this changed when over two thousand children showed up within the first three days of the camp. To say we were overwhelmed would be an understatement. Therefore, as opposed to having one centre, we had one summer programme with three centres running concurrently.

“The truth is, we could not have done this without your support. For this, we say thank you and we look forward to achieving more and bigger feats with you.”