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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
It was all joy for women groups working as caregivers in Plateau State recently, as they were rewarded for their humanitarian works in SOS Children’s Villages.
The occasion was the donation of monies to the women who are taking care of children and other vulnerable groups in the state, especially in five local government areas of Bassa, Mangu, Jos South, Jos North, and Riyom, which have seen an increase in child abuse cases state.
The women, while doing their jobs were grouped into clusters and imparted with skills that will make them self dependent when they’re eventually disengaged from their work places.
And so to prepare them for life after their humanitarian services, the Country Director of the SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Mr Eghosa Erhumwunse decided to dole out a total of N285 million to 14 groups.
The money was given to Child Rights (CRPN) Protection Network and 13 groups of artisanal women grouped under the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). The groups graduated in various skills while taking care of the children.
While the CRPN got N25 million to support its humanitarian activities, each of 13 VSLAs got N20 million for support in setting up their members.
On the occasion, which took place at the SOS Children’s Village in Zawan, Jos South Local Government area of the state, Erhumwunse, said that it would be inappropriate for the women to be vulnerable themselves while taking care of vulnerable people.
Speaking while presenting the cheques to the representatives of the recipients, Erhumwunse said that he was making the donation in recognition of and to celebrate the dedication and accountability of those involved in caring for children.
He said: “Empowerment is about creating opportunities that allow people to turn hopes into action and vision into reality. Today, SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria is using this opportunity to congratulate you for your dedication and accountability to your children.
“Please, this money is for you to keep revolving within your group. And make sure you help each other to succeed in whatever business you are doing. This money is not for enjoyment. The money for enjoyment will come. And that means you need to put hard work.
He highlighted the positive outcomes for households, mentioning support for 1,450 children and the overall improvement in community welfare.
According to him, the caregivers were grouped into structure, with hair styling group, for example, consisting of 15 to 35 members, indicating a broad network of support.
He said that in 2022, seven groups graduated, and a significant financial grant of $17.5 million was given to them. He expressed happiness about the growth of these groups and their impact.
He acknowledged the economic challenges being faced by families, which affect their ability to support their children and maintain their businesses, adding that the grant is to support them for self sufficiency. He urged members to work hard and save to enhance their economic stability.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Caroline Dafur, expressed deep gratitude towards SOS Children’s Villages for their financial support and pledged that the money will be wisely invested.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, the State Coordinator, Child Rights Protection Network, Mrs. Sandra Chikan, said that the money from the SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, is crucial for their operations in Plateau State.
She said that there were pressing issues of child trafficking, baby factories, and child violations in Plateau State, necessitating the need for the funding.
According to her, the grant will support initiatives in five local government areas of Bassa, Mangu, Jos South, Jos North and Riyom, which have seen an increase in child abuse cases.
