By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja
It was a time of great fun and activities for children, when a faith-based organization (FBO), the ‘Women With Answers Christian Ministry’ hosted over one thousand (1000) children in Aso Pada Community area, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa state to food, music and back to school packs.
Saturday, August 27, 2022, will remain a memorable day for indigenes and inhabitants of Aso Pada community, as the Ministry did not only host children to free meals but gave them free back-to-school packs, thus reducing the cost to parents, as children returned to school on Monday this week, following the long vacation and security closure of schools in Abuja and its environs.
The initiative which had planned to host 500 children, was greatly overwhelmed as over 1000 children, drawn from across religious and tribal lines turned up, with some coming for second rounds and forcing the organisers to replicate the programme in batches.
Founder of the Initiative, Reverend Mrs. Adedamola Olajumoke while speaking with Journalists, said “The ‘Feed A Child’ program was divinely inspired. It was conceived by divine instruction sometimes in the month of May while going on a walk on the streets of Mararaba to feed the children in the community.
She noted that this was the maiden edition of the programme and definitely not the last, as they intend to replicate the programme to as many communities as possible and as led by God.
Reverend Adedamola noted that being the first time, the programme was not without its challenges. In her words “Being a first time event, the major challenge we encountered at the initial stage was getting approvals from necessary quarters and community stakeholders but thankfully, we were able to overcome this and eventually got the buy-in from everyone that was needed. Those she said, included the District Head, Youth Leaders, and Security Agencies among others
Speaking on funding, the founder said the programme was funded through cash and kind (volunteers) donations, by the partners and members of the ministry.
“As a faith based organisation, our immediate next steps is to continue to intercede for the lives of all the beneficiaries. We are also in touch with the community leaders to see other ways to support the children”
She added that the primary support the ministry will request for are prayers and well wishes. Adding that they are also open to donations from good spirited individuals who may want to partner and support the initiative.
Meanwhile, a community member, the Aso Pada Youth President Mr. Shamujin John said “The initiative was of huge benefit to the community and its environs.
“It is a very good one to reach and touch over 1,000 children, even including parents as we have seen here today. Women with Answers has indeed put smiles on our faces, especially with the back-to-school kits given to our children.”
The District Head, Aso Pada Community, Karu Local Government, Nasarawa, Sarki Shayindo said “We are happy Women with Answers Ministry brought this program to our doorstep to motivate our children to go back to school. There is no better gift to give children than the gift of education and that is what this gesture has done. Thank you for feeding the children and giving them beautiful gifts. We hope to see more of such.”
