By Olere Iluebbey | Project Leader
To inspire means “to fill with the urge or ability to do or feel something, to create (a feeling) in a person." To lead means “to influence to do or believe something.” - Oxford Dictionary
In the face of serious economic challenges in Nigeria, low income families have quite a number of issues to grapple with, chief of these being the availability of a steady income, medical care and education. The numbers of families who have access to these basic amenities are few in number (when compared to the demand) and the current level of poverty in the country has also led to an increase in crime, youth restiveness, child labour and sometimes child abandonment.
With the support of Global Giving donors and other local partners, MIND Foundation continues to provide children from disadvantaged homes with the opportunities and tools to achieve excellence regardless of their economic circumstances. A recent intervention was the 2012 MIND Leadership (Holiday) Camp held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State from 6th to 11th of August. The 1-week event was attended by 141 students from 8 community schools within the State and it featured inspiring workshops in ICT, Arts ‘n’ Craft, Sports, Dance, Leadership sessions and more.
The theme of this year’s camp - “Inspired to Lead” was borne out of a need for young people to take responsibility for their actions and choose to be positive influence even in the midst of so much negativity. The camp theme was reinforced through all camp activities, providing inspiration for students to discover their talents, and the tools to transform their ideas into action.
The camp featured many inspiring opportunities for students to express their creativity through projects in basket weaving, shoe making, hand-sewn bags and beaded flower vases. There was enhanced awareness of life skills and leadership development issues, including the achievement gap as well as the availability of adult mentors to support their leadership development and service-learning action plans.
From this event, several leadership clubs have been formed and MIND kids are in the fore front of taking action for change in their communities. We sincerely thank you for giving to our project and the opportunity to make a difference. We urge you not to relent in your kind support.
We thank you and hope to hear from you.
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