IYANIWURA CHILDREN CARE FOUNDATION (ICCF) started development work in 2012 and fully registered with the Nigeria Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on March 12th, 2015, it is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) set up as an outreach-focused in the provision of a range of services support in terms of Health, Education, Security, Protection and Development for children, young people with intellectual, Physical and financial disability and women. The organization’s development work operates in the Western part of Nigeria, currently operating in Lagos state, and also adopted a home for children with disabilities in Ibadan Oyo state.
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and employs six full-time staff members and four volunteers who deliver a number of programs using funding from different areas of government, Corporate Social Responsibility from a few corporate organizations, and individual donors.
ICCF prioritized the SDGs-related issues, LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND. We have continued on Issues of Gender Base Violence (GBV) and child abuse advocating with the relevant stakeholders to end violence against children and young people with disabilities.
Over the last 10 years, ICCF has played a positive role in supporting children including those with disability and young people with disabilities in the different facets of life. Advocating and sensitizing in schools and communities on sexual and gender based violence, enlightening the communities on child protection from all forms of abuse, rescue children. We have rescued over 100 children from sexual, physical, and neglect abuse from 2020 – January 2023 till date.
In 2021we supported over 300 children, 100 young adults with disabilities, and 50 women with various development work and welfare packages.
In February we had a Valentine’s get-together for young adults with intellectual disabilities enlightening them on their sexualities, People with intellectual disabilities have been singled out for being ‘nonsexual’ for so long, that the idea of their sexuality is still a shock to society.” At ICCF we will continue to enable people with intellectual developmental and neurological disabilities to enjoy a social life and to create relationships. Topics discussed; Dating, Consent, Self-Estimed, Self-Image, Sex, Breast-Feeding, Masturbation, etc. The program was worthwhile and fun.
2021 International Women’s Day is an annual celebration for women where we take a look at how global issues shape society by highlighting issues that have affected women & girls especially those with intellectual disabilities for many years. This year’s campaign is represented by the “#Break The Bias” We need to work towards a world that is equitable, inclusive, and free from bias and discrimination, so the playing field is leveled for women moving forward. “We have today the opportunity to put women and girls at the center of our planning and action to integrate gender perspective into global and national laws and policy. In commemoration, we had a football novelty match between women and men with intellectual and developmental Disabilities. The game will enhance feelings of belonging and togetherness, as well as feelings of striving. Which is the main purpose of the football game for both young women and men with intellectual developmental neurological disability, “BREAK THE BIAS ON STEREOTYPE LIFESTYLE OF PERSON WITH INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROLOGICAL DISABILITY”. The women won the match 3-1. The football game is aerobics and cardiovascular exercise, and the psychology involved in football training is therapeutic. The training started in January and it is a continuous football team.
2021 ICCF Inclusive Funfair for children with intellectual developmental neurological disabilities between ages 3-17 years and their siblings without disabilities. The aim of this program is to support the bonding of children with disability and their siblings outside the home environment. Children with disabilities have the right to participate, starting from home. The day was filled with activities including Physiotherapy, Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, and Face painting. Nutritional advice, Bouncing Castle, Water Boat, Chess, scrabble Table, Table soccer.
2021 Children’s Day Festival of Childhood, International Conference with the Theme; “GROWING A BETTER TOMORROW FOR ALL CHILDREN, TOGETHER”. Children suffer violence discrimination stigmatization including those with disabilities are denied, abused, and marginalized in the community ranging from health, education, participation, social protection, and general well-being for their survival and development. It is important to respect the rights of children in our communities children are citizens from the moment they are born, and their rights have always been violated hence children’s issues should be priorities in the community where they live they are the bedrock of every society so issue concerning them should be paramount In the society. The conference had about 1000 participants from the 57 LGAs in Lagos State with stakeholders providing services for children including LG chairmen, Local leaders, Technical expert children, and young people to discuss innovative approaches to advance child rights through community commitment, to identify and exchange good practices, this will build better friendship, relationship among children also to foster respect in an inclusive environment. The program is exclusively to address the 2007 Child Rights Law of Lagos States as amended in 2015 and children’s issues, specific actions for survival, protection development, and participation in the area of child health, food, and nutrition, the role of the family, welfare, justice, and disabilities. The overall goal of the conference is to advance the rights and well-being of children and young people through local commitment and action to increase the importance of children in Lagos state and beyond.
ICCF runs currently a residential Life Skills Center for young adults with intellectual disabilities mentoring them on social and entrepreneurship skills, we also have an educational scholarship support program for 3 blind children with disabilities. The organization did make an investment in its leadership development; a social leadership interactive program was held with over 200 in attendance. The program aligned with the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 10) for children to reduce inequalities. Leave no child behind. Every November we organize children ages 10 to 17yrs to create awareness to educate the communities on child abuse campaigns in various LGAS in Lagos state.
ICCF has been committed to advocating for the rights of children and PWDs in line with The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children; over the years working with children including those with disabilities, the organizations have identified issues of human rights challenges and abuses including stigma and discrimination. ICCF is also promoting the 2030 global Sustainable Development Goals; advocating on (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(8)(10)(16)(17). Emphasizes the benefits of social inclusion which helps in finding ways to empower, create awareness on SGBV, and develop friendships, relationships, and mutual respect between children, and young adults to end Sexual & Gender Base Violence in Lagos state.
We recommend you visit: www.iccflifeskills.com.ng
Yours Sincerely
Olajumoke Matilda Otitoloju
Project Coordinator