Group celebrates indigent kids in Lagos community

A Lagos-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Young African Bookworms Initiative (YABI), has celebrated indigent kids, in Agala community, Lagos.

The celebration was to create an inclusive environment for the forcefully evicted children of the Tarkwa Bay community, and their mothers.

Agala is a remote island community, where most of the evicted Tarkwa-Bay inhabitants live.

During the event, the children came together to play, to forge beautiful memories, and to see beyond the limitations of their immediate environment.

The group said it recognised that the forcefully evicted children were still traumatised; hence, the event was another opportunity to reinforce their social and emotional capabilities.

Realising the significant role of mothers in shaping their children’s lives, the organisation also organised a segment where mothers actively participated in ‘flip the bottle challenge’, fostering stronger bonds with their children.

Speaking shortly after the event, Programme Manager, YABI, Lola James, said it was heartwarming to witness the shared laughter and affection.

“Similarly, it was also another opportunity for kids to learn as they gathered at the Young Bookworms Learning Resource Centre for a special movie screening.

“The screening, which captured the imagination of the children, provided a delightful escape into the magical world of storytelling and left them with a renewed sense of wonder and happiness.

“We are grateful to all our partners, funders and volunteers for their continuous support in ensuring that we meet our goals and visions. As an educational NGO that develops the social, mental and emotional capabilities of primary school aged children, this was another way of engaging the children in Agala Community and making them feel special at a time like this,” James noted.

She stressed that the organisation remains committed to supporting the African Child by ensuring that their emotional or social needs are met.

“At YBWorms, we firmly believe that every child deserves an opportunity to thrive. Our Children’s Day celebration was not only a day of festivities but also a reminder of the importance of nurturing the next generation. It was a day that reminded us all of our collective responsibility towards the African child,” she added.