A NEW YEAR HOPE FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

Tabitha Home is a residential care home for orphans and vulnerable children, committed to inspiring hope and building a secure future for every child under its care. Through its focus on Child Development, Social Integration, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship, the Home provides holistic support including education, healthcare, nutrition, shelter, psychosocial care, and life skills development.

The theme for May 2026 was "Courage," inspired by Esther 4:14–16 and Joshua 1:9. Throughout the month, children were encouraged to demonstrate courage in their academics, relationships, personal growth, and daily decision-making.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR MAY 2026

• Three children were elected as school prefects, demonstrating leadership, responsibility, and growing confidence.
• Two children participated in the Asido Kids Challenge and placed 4th and 6th respectively among 49 participants.
• A school outreach project reached 87 pupils and 16 staff members with hygiene education and educational materials.
• University students participated in a financial literacy and leadership training to prepare them for independent living.
• Children participated in the launch of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Oyo State, promoting a stronger reading culture.
• Four children were celebrated during the monthly birthday celebration, supported by members of the FFO Community.
• The Cooperative Women Group strengthened its small-scale trading initiative, promoting economic empowerment and sustainability among members.
• Staff participated in a self-care and bonding session aimed at promoting well-being and strengthening teamwork. 

OVERVIEW

Education

School activities continued smoothly across all levels during the month, including regular school attendance, home lessons, and the commencement of WAEC examinations for three of our beneficiaries.

We also celebrated the achievements of three children from two different schools who were elected as prefects, serving as Social Prefect and Sports Prefect respectively. Their election reflects growing confidence, responsibility, leadership skills, and positive influence among their peers.

Psychosocial Support

Emotional well-being remained central to our work throughout the month. The monthly family meeting provided a safe space for children to ask questions about emotions, family relationships, confidence, and life in a residential care setting.

As part of the psychosocial support activities, every child was encouraged to identify and write down qualities they appreciate about themselves as well as areas they would like to improve. This exercise was designed to promote self-awareness, build self-esteem, and foster a healthy self-image.

Medical Support

The health and well-being of the children remain a top priority at Tabitha Home. A well-equipped First Aid Box is readily available at the reception for immediate response to minor health concerns, while the Residential Care Administrator and caregivers oversee first aid services with guidance from medical professionals when necessary. For more comprehensive medical care, the Home maintains partnerships with reputable healthcare facilities, including University College Hospital, The Vine Hospital, and Apple Cedar Hospital.

Asido Kids Challenge

Two Tabitha Home children participated in the Asido Kids Challenge, competing alongside 47 other children on the topic "Stop Bullying Early." Their outstanding performance resulted in 4th and 6th place positions respectively.

School Outreach Project

On 7th May 2026, Tabitha Home Nigeria, in collaboration with Kent Home Nigeria and Tabitha Home International, carried out a school outreach project at Oke-Ado Primary School.

The session focused on teaching pupils proper hygiene practices to promote healthy living and prevent illness. Writing materials and other educational supplies were distributed to all pupils present. Through this outreach, 87 pupils and 16 members of staff were reached, extending our impact beyond the walls of Tabitha Home and contributing to improved health awareness within the community.

Financial Literacy Training

On 30th May 2026, a financial literacy and leadership training was organized for our university students. The session equipped them with practical knowledge on money management, saving habits, and financial discipline.

The training also explored the mindset required for financial responsibility and independence, helping prepare the students for life after graduation and future economic stability.

Reading Culture Promotion

Our commitment to promoting a strong reading culture was further strengthened during the month. On 25th May, Tabitha Home children were invited to attend the launch of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Oyo State.

The event exposed them to fellow young readers and reinforced the importance of reading as a tool for learning, personal development, and lifelong success. We continue to encourage our children to embrace reading as a habit that broadens knowledge and creates opportunities.

Monthly Birthday Celebration

Four children celebrated their birthdays during the month of May. On 31st May, they were prayed for, celebrated, and honored during a special birthday gathering.

The celebration was graced by members of the FFO (For Fun Only) Community, whose presence brought joy and encouragement to the children, making the occasion memorable and meaningful.

Cooperative Women Group

The Cooperative Women Group held its monthly meeting on 19th May. During the meeting, members purchased and sold items such as rice, vegetable oil, seasonings, and beverages as part of their small-scale trading initiative.

The cooperative continues to provide a platform for economic participation, mutual support, and improved household stability among its members while promoting financial independence and sustainability.

Staff Development

In line with the organization's self-care plan for the year, members of staff participated in a Workers' Day hangout designed to promote bonding, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

The session emphasized the importance of caregiver well-being and mental health. A healthy, motivated, and refreshed workforce is better equipped to provide quality care, support, and guidance to the children.

CONCLUSION

May 2026 was a month marked by growth, achievement, and meaningful engagement across various areas of Tabitha Home's work. From academic milestones and leadership accomplishments among the children to community outreach, financial literacy training, reading promotion, and women's economic empowerment initiatives, the organization continued to create opportunities for learning, development, and positive transformation.

The month also demonstrated the importance of holistic care through ongoing psychosocial support, preventive healthcare, staff well-being initiatives, and strong community partnerships. These efforts collectively contributed to a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.

As we move forward, Tabitha Home remains committed to empowering children, strengthening families and communities, and creating sustainable pathways for growth and resilience. We are grateful to our partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters whose continued commitment makes this impact possible.

Links:

• School Outreach project
• May recap as Happy New Month

INTRODUCTION

Tabitha Home is a residential care home for orphans and vulnerable children, committed to inspiring hope and building a secure future for every child under its care. Guided by its strategic priorities. Child Development, Social Integration, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship, the Home provides holistic support including education, nutrition, shelter, medical care, psycho-social support, rehabilitation, and life skills training. In addition, Tabitha Home extends its impact by empowering vulnerable women, youth, and children through initiatives focused on Women Empowerment, Sustainability, Child Development, and Youth Advocacy.

The theme for April 2026 was “Obedience,” inspired by Exodus 3:10–12 and the life of Daniel. Throughout the month, the children were taught the importance of obedience to authority figures and parents, particularly when such obedience aligns with what is right and just.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR APRIL 2026

• Three children successfully sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), recording strong scores of 267, 256, and 233.
• Successful resumption of all children for the third term after the holiday period.
• Zero major health incidents recorded throughout the month.
• Completion of a dental outreach by Bright Smiles Initiative, improving awareness of oral hygiene among the children.
• Successful Bible quiz competition promoting learning, teamwork, and engagement with the monthly theme.
• Participation of staff in a mental health and self-care training, strengthening staff capacity and well-being.
• Progress made by the Women Cooperative Group through the launch of a small-scale trading initiative.

OVERVIEW

Education

For a significant part of April, the children were on their second term holiday for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing an opportunity for rest and rejuvenation after a demanding term. Despite the holiday, children in certificate classes remained academically engaged through structured extra lessons aimed at strengthening their preparedness for upcoming examinations. During this period, three children sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and recorded impressive scores of 267, 256, and 233 respectively, reflecting their dedication and the academic support provided at the Home.

In addition, two girls, 100-level students of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, celebrated their matriculation ceremony in April. Representatives from the Home were present to support and celebrate this important academic milestone. By the final week of the month, all the children had resumed for the third term, returning to school refreshed and ready for the academic tasks ahead.

Psychosocial Support

During the holiday period, the children were actively engaged in a variety of recreational and developmental activities designed to support their emotional well-being and social growth. One notable activity was learning to play Monopoly, which provided an engaging platform for building critical thinking, decision-making, and interpersonal skills. These activities created a balanced environment where the children could relax while also developing important life and social competencies.

Medical Support

The health and well-being of the children remain a top priority at Tabitha Home. A well-equipped First Aid Box is readily available at the reception for immediate response to minor health concerns, while the Residential Care Administrator and caregivers oversee first aid services with guidance from medical professionals when necessary. For more comprehensive medical attention, the Home maintains partnerships with reputable healthcare facilities such as University College Hospital, The Vine Hospital, and Apple Cedar Hospital.

Encouragingly, no major illnesses were recorded among the children in April, reflecting the effectiveness of preventive care measures in place. Additionally, the Bright Smiles Initiative conducted a dental outreach at the Home, during which the children underwent oral examinations and received education on the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene.

In-House Projects

Tabitha Home continued to implement its structured in-house projects aimed at promoting holistic child development. These initiatives include the Pass-It-On Project, which encourages children to share acquired knowledge and skills with their peers, thereby reinforcing learning and building confidence. The Keyworking program provided individualized psycho-social support and mentorship tailored to each child’s needs, while the Kids Club created opportunities for character building and positive social interaction. The Reading Culture Initiative further supported literacy development by fostering a consistent habit of reading among the children.

Collectively, these programs remain central to nurturing confident, responsible, and well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive beyond the Home.

In-House Activities

As part of activities aligned with the monthly theme, each room was assigned the Book of Daniel to study at the beginning of the month. This initiative encouraged personal reflection, discipline, and a deeper understanding of obedience in practical terms.

To reinforce this learning, a quiz competition was held on the last Saturday of the month, with representatives selected from each room. The exercise fostered teamwork, active participation, and healthy competition, with one room emerging as the overall winner.

Cooperative Women Group

The women’s cooperative group held its monthly meeting on the last Tuesday of April, continuing its efforts toward economic empowerment and sustainability. As part of their plans to become more industrious and financially independent, the group initiated a small-scale trading activity involving the purchase and sale of food items within the cooperative. The profits generated from this venture are intended to be reinvested into the group to strengthen its capacity and provide additional support for members.

Staff Development

In line with its commitment to staff well-being and professional growth, Tabitha Home organized a mental health and self-care training for its team members as part of its first-quarter plans. The training focused on identifying stress indicators, adopting protective measures for managing stress, and developing personal mental health plans. This initiative is expected to enhance staff self-awareness, resilience, and overall effectiveness in providing quality care and support to the children.

CONCLUSION

April 2026 was a productive and impactful month for Tabitha Home, marked by continued commitment to the holistic development of the children and the well-being of all stakeholders. From academic progress and successful health outcomes to strengthened in-house programs and staff capacity building, the Home maintained a stable and nurturing environment for growth.

The achievements recorded during the month reflect not only the resilience and potential of the children but also the dedication of staff and the support of partners and stakeholders. As the children move into a new academic term, Tabitha Home remains committed to deepening its impact, fostering discipline and character, and equipping every child with the tools needed for a brighter and more secure future.

Links:

• Few Tabitha Home Children talk about their Dreams