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THE JOURNEY TO MUSA: A CALL FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION IN NIGERIAN EDUCATION

In today’s world, knowledge is the gateway to opportunities. It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is for children to attend school. Education is a powerful tool that drives personal growth, societal development, and national progress. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse population, the issue of out-of-school children poses a significant challenge, which makes it all the more important to stress the significance of giving every child access to education. Education is crucial for these young minds, as it not only helps them acquire academic knowledge but also nurtures their potential. During Legend Golden Care Foundation’s (LGCF) visit to Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, we found “Musa”. The story of Musa, though not unique, sheds light on a persuasive issue where modest amounts, such as 20,000 Naira, can determine a person’s educational fate. Education is a basic human right, yet the lack of resources creates a cycle of poverty, hindering many Musas across the country.  Countless individuals encounter formidable challenges in accessing education, students are often prevented from pursuing their dreams due to financial barriers. While transforming the entire education system seems daunting, changing one life at a time is sure to cause a ripple effect towards the grand end goal.   Children who are not attending school face various difficulties, such as limited access to healthcare, increased exposure to exploitation, and higher chances of engaging in harmful activities. The primary objective of bringing such children into the education system is not only to fill the classrooms but also to provide them with an opportunity to lead a better life. Education is a powerful tool for promoting equality, and ensuring that every child has access to schooling regardless of their socio-economic background can help Nigeria create a more inclusive society. Education empowers children by providing them with the knowledge and confidence necessary to overcome obstacles and dream beyond their current circumstances. Addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria requires a collaborative effort from the government, communities, and various stakeholders. It is essential to undertake initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, providing scholarships, and raising awareness about the importance of education. These steps will help ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to education and can attend school.  Musa (not his real name) has been enrolled into the  Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF) scholarship support program, making him the 75th recipient. Addressing the issue surrounding education requires collaborative, collective efforts. Not everyone has the access or the ability to go to the trenches like we did, but you can partner with or support this cause together through donations. The presence of children in schools across Nigeria is a symbol of hope and a promise for a brighter future. It represents a commitment to breaking the chains of poverty, empowering young minds, and building a nation where every child’s potential is recognized and nurtured.

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Beyond Recovery: The Transformative Power of Rehabilitation in Community Development

Rehabilitation is not just about transforming individuals but also about promoting community development. It aims to create a positive impact that spreads to families and communities. By addressing the underlying causes of issues and promoting sustainable solutions through rehabilitation, we can serve as a drive for social change. Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF) advocates for human rights and provides psychosocial support to victims through its programs. Rehabilitation goes beyond just being a process; it serves as a ray of hope for those who have faced the darkness of despair. The true meaning of rehabilitation lies in its ability to restore dignity, reconstruct broken lives, and reintegrate individuals into society as empowered and contributing members. The rehabilitation centre’s inauguration followed an engaging workshop with stakeholders, marking the commencement of a transformative path towards healing. Revealing the inherent strength within, our comprehensive rehabilitation and psychosocial therapy centre now stands as a sanctuary. Overcoming societal misconceptions and addressing mental health challenges after enduring violence demands a resilient approach.  Our team of proficient therapists not only offers assistance at our established centre but also delivers complimentary services at correctional facilities, warmly embracing individuals on their path to recovery. Our centre welcomes anyone who has been a victim of torture. Legend Golden Care Foundation’s (LGCF) commitment to rehabilitation reflects a deep and sincere understanding of the true essence of humanity – the ability to uplift, support, and inspire one another on the journey towards a better tomorrow. Rehabilitation is a powerful force for good, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.

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Champions of Dignity: How NGOs Lead the Charge in Promoting Human Rights Principles Through Advocacy

Human rights form the basis of a fair and just society. They apply to every individual, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. Human rights principles cover various aspects of life, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions, and offer a comprehensive framework for safeguarding human dignity.   In the present-day world, the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in advocating for and promoting human rights principles has become increasingly critical. This blog post aims to explore the symbiotic relationship between NGOs, advocacy, and human rights advancement. By working together, NGOs and advocates can raise awareness and push for policy changes that promote the protection and realization of human rights for all.   NGOs catalyze change, advocating for human rights protection and promotion. They empower individuals and communities by raising awareness and engaging in advocacy at different levels. NGOs provide direct services, monitor human rights abuses, and foster international cooperation to address global challenges.   NGOs also serve as watchdogs, monitoring human rights abuses and reporting on violations. By exposing injustices, they help to hold perpetrators accountable and contribute to building a culture of transparency and accountability.   Finally, NGOs collaborate across borders, fostering international cooperation to address global human rights challenges. This collaboration strengthens the collective voice advocating for human rights on a global scale.   Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF) upholds human rights principles through targeted advocacy campaigns, educational initiatives, and direct service, successfully influencing policy changes, raising awareness about pressing issues, and providing vital support to individuals in need. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are often unacknowledged heroes in the fight for human rights. They work tirelessly to ensure everyone is treated justly, equally, and with dignity. By advocating for human rights, educating the public, providing direct services, and collaborating internationally, these organizations help build a world where every individual can live without fear and oppression. When we recognize and support the efforts of NGOs, we support the collective endeavour of promoting and protecting the rights of every person, everywhere.

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Fostering Social Justice: A Glimpse into Prison Welfare and the Nigerian Judicial System

“Behind the cold steel bars of our prisons lies a chilling tale of shattered dreams, forgotten humanity, and a system that demands redemption as urgently as those it confines.” In the pursuit of a just and equitable society, the lens turns to one often overlooked aspect – prison welfare.  Nigeria, like many nations, grapples with challenges within its penal system, raising critical questions about social justice. Two  critical issues in the system are:  The State of Nigerian Prisons: Nigeria’s prison system faces multifaceted challenges, including overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and limited access to healthcare. As custodians of justice, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these spaces promote rehabilitation and humane treatment rather than perpetuating cycles of hardship.  Legal Aid and Access to Justice: Ensuring access to legal representation is a cornerstone of social justice. Many individuals in Nigerian prisons face prolonged detention without trial due to various factors, including lack of legal representation. Strengthening legal aid initiatives is crucial to upholding the principles of fairness and justice.  A paradigm shift is essential – from punitive measures to a focus on rehabilitation. Prisoners should be provided with opportunities for education, vocational training, and mental health support to facilitate their reintegration into society. This approach not only serves the cause of social justice but also contributes to reducing recidivism. Our “Beyond the Walls Initiative, a five-year, self-funded project is one of the strategies we use to involve stakeholders in favor of criminal justice reforms. Where we support the convicts’ well-being and a shorter court process timeline by providing Pro-bono and psycho-social support services. We are in favor of correctional facilities modernizing their systems to make them more favorable to inmate reintegration and prison decongestion. The pursuit of social justice in Nigeria demands a comprehensive examination of the state of prison welfare. By advocating for humane conditions, rehabilitation, and access to justice, we can collectively contribute to a society that upholds the principles of fairness and compassion. Let us embark on this journey, fostering a system where justice is not only blind but also empathetic, recognizing the inherent dignity and potential for redemption in every individual.

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Girls’ Empowerment in Technology (GETECH) – Empowering the next generation of tech superstars

The ‘Girls Empowerment in Technology (GETECH)’ initiative is a groundbreaking program aimed at preparing secondary school girls for immediate employability upon completion of their secondary education. Through strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the High Tech Center and TechHer NG, GETECH is not only equipping participants with vital tech skills but also cultivating their leadership capabilities. In a world where the tech industry’s influence spans across sectors, GETECH serves as a crucial avenue for young women to bridge the gender gap and contribute actively to this burgeoning field. By fostering tangible skills and empowering mindsets, GETECH is on a mission to reshape the narrative of gender equality and technological prowess in Nigeria.   A significant milestone has been achieved through GETECH’s efforts, with a successful six-month training program in Desktop Publishing and Web Development for 78 students from the Government Secondary School Mpape, Abuja, Nigeria. This training has laid the foundation for these young women to navigate the intricacies of the digital realm confidently. As GETECH progresses, we are excited to announce the commencement of the pre-internship phase, where participants will gain hands-on experience and practical insights, further bolstering their skill sets. By nurturing the talents of young girls and providing them with the tools to thrive in the tech arena, GETECH is actively contributing to a more inclusive and forward-looking tech industry, fostering a legacy of gender equality and technological empowerment.

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Executive director giving speech

Press Conference on Awaiting Trial Syndrome

Legend Golden Care Foundation had a media press briefing on the Awaiting Trial Syndrome in Nigeria held at the Office of the foundation on 27th October 2022 with various stakeholders in attendance which included; the  Representatives of a member of the house of representatives (chairman house committee on judiciary), Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Correctional Service, Civil Society Organizations, legal practitioners and the media.  The purpose of the event was to present the communique to the public and as well get the stakeholders to adopt the recommendations from the stakeholder’s dialogue held on the 22nd of September 2022.

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DONATIONS AT THE CORRECTIONAL CENTERS

Under the Beyond the wall initiative, LGCF in the year 2021 and 2022 donated relief materials to the Suleja and Kuje Correctional Centers, these includes Chairs and food parcels. We believe in – Philanthropy, equal society, humanitarian aid, promotion of justice and human rights We look to promote an open society where the indigent and vulnerable have equal access to basic amenities, needs and justice. Who we target – the indigents, low income earners, the less privileged, the vulnerable, indigent prisoners and illegally detained persons.

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HOPE FOR FREEDOM TOURNAMENT KUJE

In 2021, we organized a tournament at the Kuje correctional facility to serve as motivation and encouragement for the inmates, as research has shown that physical activity and sports have positive psychological, social, and physical effects on people in correctional facilities and promote their general well-being. The purpose of the tournament was to encourage inmates to participate in physical activities, which will have a positive effect on their quality of life and mental health.   Since incarceration is associated with decreased physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle, LGCF viewed athletics and physical activities as crucial to the health and well-being of the inmates. At the conclusion of the tournament, 520 prisoners and their supporters were educated on the significance of regular physical activity.

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BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM

Part of the Education and livelihood goals of Legend Golden Care Foundation is in providing School supplies to Children in Orphanage homes and Schools, to this end, the organisation in the month of August, 2022 supported a ‘Back to School Program’ at RCCG Praise Tabernacle, Lagos State Nigeria. LGCF has in the past provided several welfare outreaches and scholarships to students before it began full operation in the year 2021.

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LGCF LAUNCHES CORPORATE OFFICE HEADQUARTERS

In June 2022, Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF) formally launched its new corporate office in Abuja. In the words of our Executive Director, “LGCF chose to officially open its doors on June 16, the Day of the African Child, because of how emblematic this historic day is of our goals and objectives.” In a country where 33% of children are out of school, 25% of girls and 10% of boys have been victims of sexual abuse, and 70% of inmates are being held without trial, LGCF is positioned to change the narrative. Since its founding in 2012, the organization has expanded its thematic areas to address three major areas impacting the African child: prison and social justice, education and livelihood, sexual and gender-based violence. “LGCF is concerned with providing solutions to not just the problems of the African child but to the problems of all who fall within our thematic areas. To this end, we look forward to impacting the lives of 50,000 children and 25,000 inmates of correctional facilities over the next five years,” Executive Director, Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metuh declared. The event was graced by the Chief Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Hon. Abimbola Ayo Yusuf, Programme Director, ‘Lean on Me’, on Kapital FM, Abuja, Mr. John Chukwura, and stakeholders from the Nigerian Correction Service, faith-based organizations, media houses and not-for-profit organizations.

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