By Elizabeth Osayande

The founder, Life Changers Foundation, LCF, Mrs. Sheri Adegbesan has stated that the desire to reward children in Makoko who against all odds sought to acquire basic education, informed her organization donating school materials that would carter for them for two years.

The United Kingdom, UK based, non-profit organization, with a branch in Nigeria called Life Changers Foundation Children’s Home, also sponsored the end-of-term party for two schools: Mipamawu Children School and Mawumadoka orphans & less privileged home/school, Oko-Agbon, all in Makoko.

Speaking at the event themed:” Celebrating the Nigerian child, nurturing hope, Mrs. Adegbesan, a certified UK primary school teacher, explained that the government needed to do more to meet the needs of the people leaving in the slum, especially in areas of documentation, and continuity of projects started there.

Her words: ” I came across the founders of the schools, January Urban and Joshua Martins who talked about the schools. I thought we could actually support them that is why we are here.

” We also thought that aside giving them school items, let us celebrate these 500 children for staying in school despite the harsh conditions. Also, knowing that their parents don’t value education but somehow this particular children have stayed in school. I just thought it is a good time to have to sponsor the end of the year party as we give them the gift that we bring for them.

” So, seeing the turnout of the children, ans what they displayed today make me happy. Their happiness brings us joy, and that is what we stand for as an NGO.” She said.

On choosing Makoko, the founder of Novelty Consultant Firm, noted that:”What struck me is the fact that there is no school on the waters. I found out that children on water are afraid to come on the land. Yet, these two schools are free and they go door to door, knock on their doors to get them to schools.

“Again, the government has not provided a school for them on the water. making people within the community to do that, that’s what makes Makoko stands out. So, we at Life Changers has an award that celebrates people like Urban and Joshua for what they do. People who have gone out of their way to give to the community.”

Speaking on what she wanted the government to do, the philanthropist noted that : ” I am only interested in education. I know the government has adopted 130 children from Joshua’s school to the primary school on land. But, I think they can do more. Although, the government offered them sponsorship, but there is no documentation to show how long the it will run. They bought uniform for them and shoes. These children will grow up, who would buy the next of school shoes and uniforms? I think when the government want to do something like this, they should have it documented for continuity. A lot of people come to Makoko to do things but there is no continuity, and the problem still remains.

“Now if you want children to go to school on the land, why can’t the government find a way of meeting the community. I know the government cannot do everything. Giving them a bus that will take them from waters to the school, that would encourage them. But why is the government not doing that. So I don’t think the government is encouraging them enough. Considering that people here are not exposed, they need a lot of orientation.

“Again, the children that are go to school on the land, I heard that they spent N400 daily on transport alone. So, tell me in Nigeria today, who can afford that. N400 naira in this kind of community is a whole lot. We heard that the Federal Government are feeding the children the school. However, children in this community do not get food. So, it may cost a parent here N600 daily to send their ward to school on the land. How do expect a parent here to afford such amount? she asked.

On how the NGO was been funded to carter for the needs of indigent communities such as Makoko, the founder of Novelty Consultant Firm, Mrs. Adegbesan said that income from her firm was used to fund lots of projects within and outside the country.

She further added that the NGO would continue to be of assistance to Makoko community:” Today, we have given them enough school uniforms and school bags. I think we have given them enough that will last them for two years. As it stands now, I am a Makoko citizen. I will continue to do things every year in this community, not just for the children, but other members of the community like the free eye glass, we will bring it here , free health check among others. ” the CEO of LIfe changers foundation.