By Japhet Alakam

In line with its vision to build self motivated, balanced and confident children across Nigeria and Africa as a whole, Lindy’s Gems Foundation is set for this year’s edition of Funday.

This year’s event with the theme “Nigerian folktale in Colours” will take place on the 19th of October, 2013 at Muri-Okunola Park VI by 10 am.  The theme is centred on exploring the minds of our future leaders and their interpretation of our folktales in Arts (pictures, crafts etc), even as the country celebrate her Independence. This theme will expose our underprivileged children to the world of art (against all odds).

The idea is to trigger the creative and artistic instincts in these children and for them to appreciate the value they can get through the Arts and begin to nurture dreams that can make them better people and in turn great leaders, says Mrs. Eme Aderinokun who is the brain behind this laudable cause.

“This year’s Funday event will be represented by 3 communities: Ajiran community Lekki consisting of children from Ajiran community school and Supreme Montessori School; Itedo community Lekki represented by Itedo community school and Pinefield School; Victoria Island community represented by Victoria Island primary school and Corona School VI. These 3 communities will have the task of interpreting one of our Nigerian folktales in an art work.

“In line with our drive to promote Arts in the lives of these children, 3 galleries/Museum have signed up to work with the children representing these impoverished communities: – Nike Gallery, Terra Kulture and Didi Museum. These Galleries/ Museum will work hand in hand with the children to produce an art piece that will be judged at the competition on October 19th, 2013.

Resource persons to act as judges and mentors of the event include, Jahman Anikulapo, Mrs. Mobalaji Adenubi amongst other notable arts lovers and promoters.

“T shirts, one of our key tools will be given out free to children. The T shirts unify all children in attendance. This is one of the tools we use to bridge the gap between the privileged and less privileged children.”

Lindy’s Gems Foundation was established in July 2009 under the Family Funday platform to develop the Nigerian child’s physical and emotional balance (especially children in Orphanages and impoverished communities) through organised play.

The Foundation holds its program every year in the month of October and has had four successful outings between 2010 to date with a crowd size of over 3000 children and adults.