On a beautiful Saturday morning, Hossanah Help Foundation embarked on a mission to bring smiles and joy to the less privileged children of Iyanbi Village in Ogun State, Nigeria. This blog recounts the heartwarming Children’s Day celebration held on May 27, 2023, and the purpose behind Hossanah Help Foundation’s visit.
It was a beautiful and cloudy Saturday morning when the team from Hossanah Help Foundation set out from Ado-Odo-Ota, Ogun State, to Iyanbi Village. Located in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, this village was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the foundation’s team, ready to witness a day filled with love, happiness, and celebration.
The Hossanah Help Foundation team was warmly received by the village leaders, who graciously welcomed them with a courtesy visit to the Baale Palace. The atmosphere was brimming with anticipation as preparations for the Children’s Day celebration began to unfold.
The team wasted no time in decorating the event hall, strategically placing a variety of gift items that would bring joy to the children. In addition, a touch of fanciful face paint added an extra layer of excitement, ensuring a vibrant and memorable day for the young participants.
The program officially commenced with an opening prayer led by Maria, one of the children from the community. Master Ifeoluwa Kuffo, fondly known as Uncle Ife and the program coordinator, then delivered an introduction and opening remarks, setting the tone for an unforgettable day ahead.
Gboyega, one of the children from Iyanbi, led the attendees in singing the National Anthem, further fostering a sense of unity and pride. The purpose of Hossanah Help Foundation’s visit to Iyanbi Village was rooted in a burning desire to bring smiles to the faces of vulnerable children who lacked access to basic human needs. The foundation aimed to achieve this by providing support in the form of food items, drinks, and various material gifts such as school bags, clothing, exercise books, and pens.
Moreover, the foundation intended to engage the children in funfair activities and games, creating an environment of camaraderie and joy. As part of the program, free medical tests were offered to the parents and adults present, promoting overall well-being within the community. The importance of personal hygiene was also emphasized through a health talk conducted by Mrs. Ologbonyo Florence, the Program Manager.
To nurture love and camaraderie among the children, they were grouped into various categories and participated in competitions such as dancing, jokes, ping-pong ball games, and joint tasks. Each winner received a beautiful gift, while it’s worth noting that every child, regardless of their level of engagement, was given a gift as well.
As the day drew to a close, snacks and drinks were shared by the Hossanah Help Foundation team, and a delightful cake was cut with the children, spelling out the word “CHILDREN.” A group photograph was taken as a memento of the colorful outing, encapsulating the cherished memories made throughout the day.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Esther Enitan, one of the team members, followed by a closing prayer offered by a parent in the community, Iya Jamiu. As the Hossanah Help Foundation team bid farewell to the community, they left behind an enduring memory of joy, laughter, and dancing children.