Over 30 street children in Ibadan have benefited from the feeding program embarked upon by The Saved Child Initiative, TSCI, under the leadership of Miss Olamide Akinrinola.
The Saved Child Initiative,TSCI, is a Non-Governmental Organization founded in 2023. TSCI aims to secure the future of less privileged children exposed to hardships on the streets through support, community outreach,and empowerment programs, giving them a chance to thrive.
As part of its efforts to cater for the well-being of children, volunteers of TSCI, led by the initiator, Miss Olamide Akinrinola, recently oversaw the distribution of food to impoverished children in Ibadan .
The Saved Child Initiative visited Idi Ape and Iwo Road, part of the bustling areas in the city known for its high population of street children. Volunteers from TSCI shared nutritious meals, water and drinks to over 30 children to alleviate their hunger and provide essential nourishment.
In an interview with Ibadan City Announcer, Miss Olamide Akinrinola, noted that the initiative aims to not only meet immediate needs but also to instill hope and support in the lives of these vulnerable youngsters, encouraging them towards a brighter future. “Our mission is to provide immediate assistance to children in need while also empowering them with the tools and knowledge to build a better future. Feeding them is just the first step; we are committed to supporting their long-term development and well-being,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Ashabi Kazeem, an 18-year-old girl who has been begging on the streets for years, shared her story. “I am so happy to have a good meal courtesy of TSCI today. I dropped out of school to feed myself and my brother, who attended a public school here in Ibadan before also dropping out in JSS1 because of lack of funds. I would like to learn tailoring to secure a better life for myself and my brother,” Ashabi stated
Another child, Ayomide, has been living under bridge for years, enduring unnecessary bullying from other kids. “I have endured a lot under this bridge, with the fear of being poisoned by those who randomly feed us and also from my mates who bully me. I have not been to school before, but if I have the opportunity, I want to study to become a banker. I also wish to learn barbing as a skill,” he shared
Ayoola Oladapo is another beneficiary of the TSCI who dropped out of school in JSS3 due to financial problems “I have lost contacts with my parents who stays in Ondo State for a while now. I came to Ibadan to hustle and make ends meet for my parents. I resort to begging on the streets because I couldn’t find where to work here in Ibadan,” he said.
Miss Akinrinola called on donors and philanthropists in Ibadan to contribute to the cause, emphasizing that every donation makes a significant difference in the lives of these children. “We rely on the generosity of individuals and organizations to continue our work. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that no child is left behind,” she urged.
Report by Adeola Oladele for IbadanCity ANNOUNCER.
