Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resilience and unwavering dedication of organisations like Towards the Light Foundation (TTLF) shine brightly.

Co-founded by Oluwatosin Folarin, a mental health practitioner and seasoned leader in community services, TTLF has been a steadfast beacon of hope, particularly in vulnerable communities. Among these communities, Makoko is a large low-income community where a third of the community is built on slits along the lagoon and the rest of its population on land. This community stands out as a focal point of TTLF’s transformative initiatives, where the absence of social amenities stresses pressing mental health concerns, as well as issues of rape and child sexual abuse.
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One of TTLF’s standout endeavors was the workshop on July 18, 2020. This workshop gathered thirty girls and thirty boys to facilitate a program on rape, substance abuse, and empowerment strategies. The program was co-facilitated by Mrs. Joy Onosore, a seasoned Counselor from Mirabel Centre, and John Akinola, project manager at Freedom Foundation. Beyond imparting knowledge, the workshop empowered attendees to identify and report instances of abuse, equipping them with essential tools for safeguarding their mental and physical well-being.

In January 2021, TTLF expanded its reach by leading a mental health awareness program tailored for widows in the Ijaiye-ojokoro local government. This initiative not only addressed mental health concerns but also tackled the stigma surrounding widowhood, shedding light on the intersectionality of mental health and social identity. TTLF’s impactful work extends far beyond workshops and awareness programs. TTLF has positively impacted over 600 women, girls, men, and children across various communities by debunking myths surrounding mental health concerns and providing resources for empowerment.

As TTLF continues to illuminate paths toward mental health awareness and empowerment, its dedication is a proof to the transformative power of compassion, education, and community-driven initiatives in fostering resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
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