Amani Health Encourages Children to Dream Big and Overcome Limits

Amani Health Inc. has told children to dream beyond their current situation. They should not let school results, family background, or money stop them from reaching their potential.

This message was shared during the fifth edition of the Dream Big & Reach for the Stars programme. It took place on Saturday at Adasa Hall in Oregun, Lagos.

The theme was “Bridging Ambitions Between Children and Parents: Whose Dream Is It Anyway?” The event brought together children aged seven to 17, their parents, and professionals. They had discussions and activities focused on ambition, setting goals, confidence, and emotional health.

The programme included games, critical-thinking exercises, and vision-board activities. These activities aimed to help children recognize their dreams and think of practical ways to achieve them.

Amani Health Inc. is a Lagos-based digital health organization. It was co-founded by Oluwarotimi Fasuyi and Ayodele Fasuyi. They run this initiative every year.

Titi Adewusi, the founder of 9ja Kids, gave the keynote speech. She urged children not to let their current situation limit their dreams.

She said school performance, money issues, and family background should not stop a child from believing in their potential. “I want you to dream big,” she told the participants.

Ms Adewusi said Nigeria needs young people who can think of solutions to the country’s problems. They should aim for more than what is usually expected of them. “Nigeria is a giant. So we need giant dreamers and giant slayers,” she added.

She mentioned Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker who was born without arms and legs, as an example of someone who overcame big challenges.

Ms Adewusi also reminded the children that chasing big dreams often comes with failures. “You will fail. You’ll start up again,” she said.

She challenged parents to create more opportunities for their children. She asked them to introduce their kids to mentors, technology, and programs that can broaden their views on what they can achieve.

According to her, the old idea that a child should just go to school and get a regular job is not enough anymore. “Those dreams are too small. Those dreams are ancient,” she said.

Ms Adewusi encouraged parents to share stories of successful people, including their struggles and failures, not just their successes.

Oluwarotimi Fasuyi, one of the co-founders of Amani Health, said the programme helps children turn their dreams into goals and plans.

He emphasized that the vision-board exercise is key. Writing down goals and seeing them often helps kids stay committed. “There’s power in what you see once you have it written down,” he said.

He also mentioned that a significant result of the programme is seeing past participants return as speakers and role models for new kids. Amani Health was set up to help with behavioral, psychological, and emotional issues affecting children and young people.

The organization connects users with therapists and clinical psychologists through its digital platform. Mr Fasuyi also revealed plans for a physical wellness center. This center will allow children and adults to access therapists, doctors, and other support.

Seye Oyagbile, founder of LeadLab and Bible Buddies, said teaching children about goal-setting early can boost their confidence. “When you start by maybe age seven, teaching your children how to achieve goals, you are helping them develop the industry attributes,” he said.

Mr Oyagbile stressed that early years are crucial for building a sense of achievement in children. Fourteen-year-old Juwon Adedokun has been part of the programme for three years. He said it has helped him explore his interests in technology, robotics, programming, chess, art, and science.

He added that Amani Health taught him how to set goals and work to achieve them. Juwon encouraged other kids to stay ambitious and seek guidance from their parents. “I’d say that they should continue dreaming because no dream is actually unrealistic,” he said.

The programme also had contributions from children and teens’ coach Ronke Orekoya, Oluwafunmilayo Amos-Alegbe, and other panelists. Sponsors for this edition included KerryGold, BetaMalt, Milio, and Indomie, among others.