Programs and Activities

At Visions for Nigeria foundation, we believe in undertaking any project or new initiatives that can help us achieve our goals. We are not skeptical of new initiatives and ideas from whatever source (if it is driven toward achieving our goals). Outlined below are past projects of 2008. Some of these projects are still in progress.

Visions for Nigeria initiatives focus on development in priority areas, including education, health and human right protection.

1. SCHOOL AN ORPHAN PROGRAM.
The Universal Basic Education is a scheme funded by the government to meet the basic rights of children. But much beau racy in the Nations government has lead to the neglect of children in the sub-urban and rural communities. Hence, the advancement of education and youth development has continued to receive ample attention in the organizations initiatives. Because of the right to basic education of a child, the School an Orphan Program was launched in the second quarter of 2006. It was the first major project carried out by the organization in the year under view, 2008.
The program was originally established to help children orphaned by HIV/AIDS but has since been extended to cover orphans whose parents died by one unfortunate incident or the other and whose remaining guardian is not capable of providing tuition and school needs.
This project was implemented in May, 2008, piloted in a Northern rural community, Burum. 18 children benefited from the project. Our program co-coordinators regularly monitor and evaluate the academic as well as the psychological performance of our beneficiaries. Our program and services have reached out to a growing number of less privileged children in Abuja, Nigeria.
Some of the challenges encountered in actualizing continuity in schooling the children include;
- Lack of commitment from the teachers.
- Unavailability of trained tutors owing to language barrier.
- High rate of youth indigene mobility to urban towns, hence, indigenous teachers would prefer to teach in their own communities.
Each of these challenges is still being overcome by continuous recruitment of volunteers.
 

2. HEALTH AND WELFARE DEVELOPMENT.
Within July-October, the organization vigorously pursued health programs geared towards fighting HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and other sexually transmitted diseases as well as reducing its spread. Some of these have been in form of condom distribution to hotels and brothels, awareness campaign, sex education to young people and adults and care for people living with HIV/AIDS and TB. This health program was pursued in six (6) health centers and environment of different sub-urban areas of Abuja.
The objective of this project was to ensure that endangered/ vulnerable people have access to medical help, care and attention which they need to move on with their lives. We also cared and still care for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The outcome of this project was one we regarded as an ‘Everest result’. This was because of the impact of the project in areas of ‘stigmatization, HIV testing and prevention of Airborne diseases.
 

3. PEOPLE AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE (PADDSA).
This was a one month program before the organization’s annual anniversary celebration in August. In collaboration with Nations Federal and Drivers Welfare club, Road Safety Commission, (PADDSA) gained a lot of grounds in educating people against the ills of drug abuse and drunk driving.
More to this project was the mobilization of disabled crippled persons, as volunteers who rolled on wheels on major traffic stops on the road, to remind drivers to put on their seat belts.
 

4. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
Every August marks the birth of Visions for Nigeria. This celebration is an opportunity the Organization utilizes to execute what it traditionally calls a ‘VFN SPECIAL PROJECT’. For 2008 anniversary, the Special Project focused on the volunteers. A 2-day conference on ‘Volunteering for Societal Development’ was carried out. Awards recognizing active volunteers who have gone out of their way to do something extra for the society were given. This Special Project saw to the elated interest in more individuals wishing to volunteer with the organization.
 

5. ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The promotion of entrepreneurship and economic development featured significantly in the organizations calendar towards the end of the year in 2008. Visions For Nigeria Foundation rendered skill acquiring aid to the widows and youths old enough to fend for themselves.
The project was part of the sustainability plan for the Health Programs executed between July and October. It focused on widows and youths who have been bereaved from the effect of AIDS, educating them on small business and providing a percentage of their capital. It was executed with the support of the Organizations Board of Trustees Aid Scheme.