SUPPORTING THE IDP CHILDREN IS A TASK FOR ALL

The Education in Emergency Programme is sponsored by the Bishop Catholic diocese of Makurdi, Most Revd Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe CMF. The program's main goal is to assist children who could not further their education past basic six due to the conflict caused by armed herders in their communities. The program which took its first set of students in 2021 currently has 100 students (male 49 female 51) from across the seven camps in locations under the Catholic diocese of Makurdi namely; Abagena, Daudu (1 and 3), Gbajimba, Uikpiam, Ortese and Naka Camps all in Benue State.

These children have been spread across five schools under the diocese namely; Mount Saint Michael Aliade, Mount Saint Gabriel Makurdi, Our lady of Mount Carmel college Makurdi, Holy child secondary school Makurdi and Mount la salle college Naka. The students are also enrolled in vocational skill training during the holiday and also engaged in psychosocial support activities and discussions to help heal the trauma caused by their experience in the camps. Many IDP children are still in various IDP camps scattered all over the state due to the sustained herders attacks.

Continues monitoring of these children by FJDP brought to light one of their major challenges in school which was lack of cupboard to aid their academics. In the spirit of oneness and support to humanity, staff of fjdp championed by the Coordinator himself initiated contributions towards the production of cupboards for these children. Additionally public support was solicited for these children on all fjdp social media handles so as to add up to the already realized generous contributions from staff. Interestingly other well-meaning individuals and SESO’R EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION also contributed towards this course and a reasonable amount was realized for the actualization of this project. 

So far, a total of 23 cupboards have been produced and distributed to the children estimated to cost NGN15,000.00 per cupboard, to support and compliment the efforts of His Excellency the Bishop.

The Bishop alongside the FJDP Coordinator, Revd Fr Remigius IHYULA presented the available cupboards and encouraged the beneficiaries not to give up hope but pay attention on their studies in order to become professionals in different fields including Law, Engineering, Clergy, Medicine just to mention a few.

During an interactive session with the children, they expressed their career aspirations which is a clear indication that they have hopes and dreams for their future despite their current displacement.

Reacting, the beneficiaries appreciated the FJDP Staff and the individuals who provided these cupboards and they promised to put them to good use. Highlights of the occasion saw the blessing of the items by His Lordship the Bishop.

The call to action to donate to support Aida Child in School is a vital one, as it will help ensure that more IDP children have access to education and the necessary resources to succeed. I hope that this initiative will inspire more individuals and organizations to support this education in emergency program and contribute to the positive development of the lives of IDP children.

The future of these children is dependent on us all

FJDP calls on well-meaning, good spirited individuals and groups to also support to help us reach these children. Humanitarian crises takes not just the efforts of the church or government but private sector, groups and individuals.

Thanks to staff of FJDP and individuals who contributed in providing these items.

Let's support in educating the Benue IDP child today!

You can send your donations to: UNION BANK ACCOUNT

25348373. FOUNDATION FOR JUSTICE DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

Or call our line to support: 09014793227