By Sylvia Felix, Theresa Augustine And Rosemary Nkereuwem
The Royal African Foundation has ended a week long volunteering activities in Calabar, the Cross River State capital where it charged young minds on the need to volunteer to humanity.
The week long volunteering exercise which kicked off with a visit to Offiong Ikpeme Foundation, Calabar South Local Government Area on Monday, August 23, is in commemoration of the Royal African Foundation of his Imperial Majesty, the 51st Ooni of Ife, whose goal is to promote Africa in business, politics, culture, education as well as inspire citizens to offer dignified services to humanity.
The State Director of the Foundation, Miss. Vivian Ubani noted that volunteerism is a call to service to all, and by all irrespective of race and endeavours.
Her words: “We believe volunteering is no respecter of age, geographic location, gender, educational background or financial status. Volunteerism is a unifying force that unites people together. It fosters a friendly atmosphere and grant you the opportunity to meet people. It also helps to break both local and international barriers as well as establish trust, and acquaintanceship. It also help to open endless doors of opportunities to the volunteer.”
In a bid to educate individuals on the effect of drug abuse especially youths, the foundation took to Ekpo Abasi, Calabar South to sensitize young people on the need to avoid drug abuse.
Also, as part of the week activity, the foundation on Wednesday, 25 August, 2021, carried out a campaign on “Youths Domestic Violence in Calabar”. This was geared to educate youths on the importance to shun any form of domestic violence in their immediate environment.
These domestic abuse they said includes; physical, verbal, emotional, mental or psychological, sexual, economic or financial, spiritual among others
Thursday, August 26, Civil Society Organizations representatives and youths volunteers engaged in a virtual conference to discuss the professional and personal benefits of volunteering.
On Friday, 27 August, 2021, homeless kids at Lemma, Calabar metropolis were told to be the architect of their own future and success.
Miss. Vivian Ubani, the cordinator of Royal African Foundation, Cross River State, gave the emotional advice to encourage them to stand up and be strong despite the rejection from families, society or the Government.
Vivian urged the street kids often refer to as “skolombo children” to take a firm decision to be better irrespective of the challenges they face in life.
She noted that their parents does not owe them any forceful obligation, they can work by themselves to better their lives with or without any external support.
Most of the children who shared their experiences and expectations in their years of destitution said, they equally have dreams and aspirations like every other, calling on the Government and well meaning individuals to come to their rescue.
According to Asuquo Solomon who has been on the street since 2006, “the Government doesn’t want to help us, they don’t even know us. I will be happy if the Government and society assists us,” he pleaded.
Charles Edet and Christopher Edet both twin brothers who have been on the street for over six (6) years said they will love to be free and sponsored in school. According to Charles he would love to study mathematics while Christopher wished to be an Engineer.
The foundation said it will synergize with Cross River Government for a counseling and rehabilitation centre for the kids who have been exposed to drug abuse, other vices and constantly follow them up and give them the needed support.
See pictures from week long activities below.
