OAC IBADAN MADE MAY 27 SPECIAL FOR CHILDREN ON THE STREETS

Every child is special, and putting smiles on their faces is what we do at One African Child (OAC), especially on Children’s Day. This year, we decided to celebrate children on the streets. Donations were made in cash and kind, in anticipation of May 27th. Finally, the day is here, 2pm is the time of takeoff. Sorting of items was done by Chizaram and Gift. Excitement is in the air, as OAC members starts trooping in their OAC shirts. A 19-man team set to put smiles on children’s faces and impact them positively. After a photo session, everybody hopped into the bus, where Obianuju gave the prayers for the success of the outreach. We were set to go.

 

 Our first point of call was Iwo road (Abe bridge)- a commercial center in the city of Ibadan known to have less privileged children. Welcoming us was the pungent smell of urine; the children came flocking around, stretching their hands for some alms. Our ever ready OAC volunteers were up to the task to share the love with those children. We got to interact with the young newcomers: painting their faces, playing with them and sharing some gift items. Amongst the children was Aishat, a very striking-active, full of life, promising and friendly. We couldn’t satisfy all their needs, nevertheless, we left them happy.

Our tour continued to the next point of call- Mokola. Mokola is known for its hills and its striking challenge: access to drinking water. The bus stopped at the popular Group Medical Hospital. The team was set to reach out to the less privileged kids of Mokola, who were mobilized with the help of Muyiwa. We got to interact with those children. We met Basit who is just 14 years old, his father stopped him from going to school at primary four, to attend the Arabic school popularly known as ‘ile kewu’. He lives with Alfa Nurudeen Olore at Oniyanrin. We also met with Afeez who hawks pure water on the streets; he’s presently in primary five. We painted their faces, sang and danced, then took pictures with them. I must say those children were ecstatic after they received the gifts. Its Children’s Day, and the goal this year is to celebrate the street kids. Our last point of call was the popular Bodija market.

Bodija market is a commercial hub centrally located in the heart of Ibadan, known for its high rate of social vices. Lots of love to share as we scouted for the children there. We got them settled down, painted their faces, took pictures and shared some gifts. That was time well spent. We were set to leave, saying our goodbyes, then we hopped into the bus heading back to the University of Ibadan, a little bit tired, but with a great sense of fulfillment.

 

 

 

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