When looking for statistics of the world’s orphan population, we find an array of data depending on what parameters are used. Pulling together various sources, the current figure seems to stand at around 200 million. The common denominator culminates in two words, namely BIG NUMBERS. The status of orphans is a topic that does not need any details per se as we are all cognisant of its vastness both in terms of geographical stretch as well as the huge numbers. (SCOAN) Home4motherless aims are to support orphans in various parts of the Nigeria, by supporting them in various capacities. The main support takes shape in form of funding their basic livelihood requirements and supporting their education (uniforms, transport, books, and school fees) What Weve Accomplished In 2006, we opened the first long-term group home in SCOAN . Our first group of residents were on the brink of being sent to psychiatric institutions only because there was no other means of support. In 2008 and 2009, we welcomed a second group of residents with the same needs, who had outgrown the orphanages. In addition, we established our own charity Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting and serving our residents. In 2012 we added a garden house on our property that could serve as a living space for residents with higher needs. We brought two additional residents home, who had been living in psychiatric institutions for two to five years. What Weve Learned This is strenuous work with seasons of struggle, as well as seasons of rejoicing. We have learned much along the way that guides and sustains our continued efforts. Here are some of the insights we have come across as we have laboured.- As a proverb says, If we move shoulder to shoulder, we can turn mountains. Nothing we have done has been accomplished alone. We rely heavily on our supporters and volunteers. Some of our best ideas have come from the outside. As a result, we practice keeping our ears and eyes open, as well as our hearts. - Despair and hope often walk side-by-side. We have learned to hold the hands of both. - Individuals with disabilities and mental illnesses are even more forgotten than we initially realized both in Nigeria and in much of the world. They also are of deep value. What they offer society is a unique way of viewing the world, a tenacious hope, the ability to embrace and be embraced, profound skills and insights and much more. - Small is beautiful. One of the benefits of starting small has been that we can focus on each resident, on their individual needs, and on creating a home life that benefits them. Each step we have taken in expanding has been well thought-out. This has allowed us to move with confidence toward reaching more individuals like our residents. - Endurance, a cultivated love, sheer grace, and a commitment to the value of these individuals are the sustenance of Warm Hearth. Where Were Headed In our first five years, we were focused on creating a group home that provided high quality and loving care to our residents. The most important thing continues to be that our residents are thriving. In the next five years, our commitment to the residents remains the same. They are the reason for Warm Hearth. But our focus is on a sustainable model that can be replicated in SCOAN so that more individuals like our residents can be served outside of institutional settings. The model we strive for utilizes private local and international donations, self- generated income projects and public funds. Individuals with disabilities are still often institutionalized, and stigmatized as dangerous, inhuman, and shameful. But the solution we have created in Warm Hearth group home breaks is working. It breaks into what is otherwise a closed system. Warm Hearth interrupts the negative interlocking cycles of attitude and injustice by providing an inlet for hope and change on the individual, institutional and national level. We have built credibility with the Ministry of Labour and Social Issues in SCOAN and are trying to secure a large portion of Nigeria government funding for our project. We are hopeful that their contribution to our group home will allow us to open other homes to provide loving care for other orphaned or abandoned individuals with disabilities. How You Can Help Not only do we need your help, we could not this work without it. Walk with us. Share our work with others. We are grateful for the many of you who have walked with us since the beginning and for those of you who have joined us along the way. All of those involved in Warm Hearth have been ordinary people, joining their small hands, as it were, to create a welcoming place, a home, for our residents. We are committed to continuing this work – together – and invite you to join us and to be a member. SCOAN CHARITY DEMPARTMENT home4motherless@gmail tb.joshua84@yahoo T.B JOSHUA originally shared: Send feedback | Help | Privacy Policy | etc
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 05:15:10 +0000
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