By Toluwalase Osehojie Olusoga | Project Leader
Thanks to your support, ATLAS Initiative delivered the 2025 Christmas With A Smile cycle from 19 to 27 December across two Lagos correctional centres: the Special Correctional Centre for Boys, Oregun, and the Lagos State Children's Correctional Centre for Girls. Care packages were distributed on 27 December as planned, and 30 volunteers supported the programme through the delivery period.
Last year's approach placed strong emphasis on calm, dignified engagement. The team prioritised relationship-building before the main distribution day, resulting in a more respectful and organised experience for the children reached by the project. All volunteers received safeguarding guidance covering confidentiality, photography consent, and the protection of resident identities. No safeguarding incidents were reported.
Local partners strengthened the work. Bakersfield Bakery contributed baked goods for the care packages; Abiboy Foundation supported volunteer mobilisation; AOK Children Initiative contributed safeguarding input and recreational activities; and the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development facilitated access to both centres. These partnerships helped the team deliver smoothly during a concentrated festive period.
Since December, ATLAS has continued follow-up visits to both centres, using the time to support residents with learning activities and keep relationships with facility authorities active. This shift beyond one-off holiday outreach is shaping how we plan the 2026 cycle. A coordination team is now in place, led by Toluwalase Olusoga; community and partner mapping has started, and fundraising preparation is beginning much earlier in the year, so the next cycle can reach further.
Thank you for helping bring care, dignity, and continuity to children in these centres.
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