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. 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