Charity helps 178 kids go to school and supports 60 women

A Christian group, Afri-mission and Evangelical Network, has enrolled 178 out-of-school children in Abuja. This is part of their plan to help women and children affected by insecurity in Nigeria.

The group recently rented homes for over 70 displaced families in Abuja. They also signed up 60 displaced women for adult literacy classes to help them gain skills.

The back-to-school and adult literacy project was launched on Sunday in Abuja. The group said these enrollees are the first batch, and they will continue to support more children as more funds come in.

Oscar Amaechina, the president of the group, shared that many children could not continue their education after their families were displaced by terrorists. Some children had never been to school in their lives.

At the event, the group gave starter packs with school bags and books to the children. The event was attended by hundreds of displaced families. The children have already been registered in various schools in Abuja and will start classes this academic session.

Mr Amaechina mentioned that they will monitor the children’s progress as they study. They also plan to provide more support for the kids during their education. He added that the selected women would receive basic vocational and academic skills to help them succeed.

Mr Amaechina explained that the women were chosen through a careful process. The group reached out to many displaced communities in Abuja. He stated that this process will continue as more funds come from partners like the World Outreach Ministries International and Ignited Church Lavonia Georgia in the United States.

"We initially targeted 200 children but ended up enrolling 178 children through a thorough process. We visited many displaced communities across the city," Mr Amaechina said. "Most are victims of terrorism and insecurity who fled to Abuja and now face difficulties. Many have also been abandoned by their breadwinners."

"This is just the first step to empower these families. We plan to expand as soon as more funds come in. When you empower a woman, you empower a family and the nation. Every child and woman deserves a chance to learn and thrive," he added.

Josephine Amaechina, the Senior Pastor of Antioch Christian Centre and the director of Afri-mission’s Humanitarian Service, spoke at the event. She said the project aims to bring hope to families displaced by insecurity and insurgency in Nigeria. Many families came to Abuja seeking help but face harsh living conditions.

"The back-to-school and women enrollment program is run by Afri-mission and Evangelism Network in partnership with Ignited Family and others. Today is not just a ceremony; it is a declaration of hope," she said. "We believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and dream, no matter their circumstances."

She added, "We also believe that every woman deserves a chance to gain knowledge, develop skills, and build a better future for herself and her family."

Many of the children have never been to school. This program gives them a valuable chance to get an education for free. "Some were displaced by terrorists, and when they arrived in Abuja, they could not continue their education because their parents lost their jobs. About 10 of them reached their final year in high school but could not sit for their exams because their parents could not pay the fees."

On the reason behind this project, she said, "At Afri-mission and Evangelism Network, we believe empowerment must go beyond words. That is why we are dedicated to creating real opportunities for women and girls to learn, gain skills, and thrive."

"We know we cannot solve every problem in one day. But we also know that real change starts with small steps," she added.

At the event, cheques of N50,000 were given to 10 students who could not register for their WAEC exams due to lack of funds.

Akor Grace, one of the women in the adult literacy classes, was thrilled to return to school. "I have always wanted to go back to school. I want to read and write. Afri-mission has made this dream come true," she said with joy.

Another beneficiary, Agnes Omotosho, said the organization paid her children's WAEC fees and enrolled her in the adult literacy classes. "I am thankful to Afri-mission for this opportunity to go to school," she said happily. "I always feel bad in church when I can't read the Bible. But Daddy (Oscar Amaechina) said in three months, I will be able to read and write. I am grateful."