September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

Since 2010, Jakin N.G.O registered as JAKINMINIS INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE (an N.G.O that can trade) inaugurated “DRESS A CHILD FOR SCHOOL PROJECT” which is an annual event held on September 8th to bring together street orphans and vulnerable children (OVC’S) to enlighten them on the essence of education and their impact on the future of the nation. It is also to empower them with basic school items to aid their studies and help them function effectively in the new academic session which starts in September of each year.

This year, DRESS A CHILD FOR SCHOOL PROJECT is providing basic school items for 300 OVCs attending mostly public schools in Iwaya and Makoko communities of Mainland local Government in Lagos State. Each child will receive two brand new school uniforms, a school bag, two pairs of socks, a pair of school sandals, a dozen of exercise books, a mathematical set (secondary school students only) and a branded pencil case containing a biro, pencil, eraser, sharpener, and ruler.

The children are mainly members of Jakin Children’s Club (JCC) for orphans and vulnerable children which was inaugurated on March 13th, 2010. JCC brings together less privileged children living out side the four walls of an orphanage or rehab at least once a month to interact and have a sense of belonging. They are able to receive various educative, reformative and transformative trainings in a well structured environment to help improve their quality of life.

We have realized from our work with over 5000 children since inception in 2003 that as a result of the poverty level in the nation, thousands of children on the streets or with their parents are actually living in worse conditions than their peers in structured orphanages and rehabs. Majority of such children are malnourished, attend public schools in their communities and hardly dress properly for school nor possess learning materials. They usually go bare footed or wear bathroom slippers to school. Their uniforms are also worn out, torn or tight while the few learning materials they have are put in nylon bags instead of school bags. The above described children within 5yrs and 18yrs are the target of this project.

The overall AIM of this life changing opportunity and experience is to help transform and reform young hearts. The gesture of love will help them psychologically by boosting their morale. It will definitely spark a new light in them encouraging them that there is still a light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, they are expected to strive more on their education.

We humbly solicit your support in encouraging these precious children not give up on education. We look up to kindhearted individuals/ reputable organizations with a track record of outstanding philanthropy like yours for sponsorship. The total BUDGET of the event is three million six hundred thousand naira (N3.6million) while the cost of dressing a child in N6, 000.

BREAKDOWN PER CHILD - N 6,000
1) 2 School Uniforms – N 2,300 @ N 1, 150 each
2) 1 pair of School sandals @ N 1,000
3) 2 pairs of Socks - N 200 @ N 100 per pair
4) School bag @ N 1,500 each
5) Stationeries (1 Dozen exercise books and a pencil case containing a biro, pencil, eraser, sharpener and ruler each) @ N 1,000 each

During the event, a guest speaker will give a presentation titled “Education, the bedrock of nation building”. This is to sensitize caregivers, children and other stakeholders on the relevance education to nation building. Other activities include presentations by JCC drama, dance, Literary and debating groups.

The maiden edition – 2010 DRESS A CHILD FOR SCHOOL PROJECT dressed 200 OVC’s on September 8th 2010, the success of “2011 DRESS A CHILD FOR SCHOOL PROJECT” is our contribution to building this nation.

For support/ more information:

Kindly contact Olumide on 08089129845, Sanya on 08027884221, Bose on 08162887897 and Biodun on 08057874393
E-mail – info@jakinministry.org, jakinministry@yahoo.com
Website – www.jakinministry.org
Facebook group – JAKIN N.G.O
Telephone – 01-8173006, 01-8522936
Office Address – 60 Iwaya Road, Onike –Iwaya, Lagos.

Account details are as follows – JAKINMINIS N.G.O, GTB Current account - 0010499020, Alagomeji branch.
Please make your cheques payable to JAKINMINIS N.G.O
Thank you very much for your anticipated positive response.

Mrs Adebiyi Olubukola – bukky@jakinministry.org
President.