Day 4 of our Voice Learning Indaba
Day 4 of our Voice Learning Indaba, Public Meeting with Civil Society Organizations in Benin Republic. Citizenship is being discussed expansively
Dewdrop Foundation & COSROPIN Healthy Ageing 3 Kilometer Walk
Dewdrop Foundation and COSROPIN Healthy Ageing 3 Kilometer Walk.
The Dewdrop Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of senior citizens, partnered with COSROPIN, a Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria came into being to address the myriad issues facing older persons in Nigeria.. The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness about the importance of regular physical activity and healthy ageing among older adults in the community.
The event was meticulously organized by the Dewdrop Foundation and COSROPIN, with careful attention to detail. A dedicated organizing committee was formed, comprising representatives from both organizations, who worked together to ensure the smooth execution of the walk.
The Ongoing Healthy Ageing 3 Kilometer Walk saw a significant turnout of participants, primarily consisting of senior citizens from the local community. In addition to the elderly, family members, volunteers, and healthcare professionals also joined the event to show their support.
Key Activities:
The walk event encompassed various activities aimed at promoting physical fitness, social interaction, and overall well-being. Prior to the walk, participants engaged in warm-up exercises led by professional trainers to ensure their readiness for the physical activity. Along the walk route, several water and refreshment stations were set up to keep participants hydrated.
To foster a sense of community and engagement, interactive sessions and group discussions were organized during the walk. These sessions focused on topics such as healthy eating habits, exercise routines, and mental well-being for seniors. Experts from the healthcare field and geriatric specialists were invited to provide valuable insights and answer participants’ questions.
Impact and Benefits:
The Healthy Ageing 3 Kilometer Walk had a positive impact on both the participants and the community as a whole. By promoting physical activity, the event encouraged seniors to adopt a healthier lifestyle, improving their overall physical and mental well-being. The walk also fostered social connections among participants, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing their sense of belonging.
Furthermore, the event generated awareness about the importance of healthy ageing, inspiring community members to actively support and care for senior citizens. It served as a catalyst for initiating dialogues and actions towards developing age-friendly environments and policies within the community.
The collaboration between the Dewdrop Foundation and COSROPIN for the Ongoing Healthy Ageing 3 Kilometer Walk successfully achieved its objectives of promoting physical activity, social interaction, and healthy ageing among older adults. By organizing such events, organizations like the Dewdrop Foundation and COSROPIN continue to make a significant impact on the well-being of seniors and the overall community.
The Voice Learning Indaba is ongoing at Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Dewdrop Foundation began the today’s session on why storytelling is an effective tool for influencing and leadership across generations. The place of cultural techniques of storyytelling was discussed. We shared our story on DDF’s intergenerational activity through the Seenagers’ Association and Caregivers training. Mr Yusuf Ali shared his experience as a beneficiary of this beautiful exercise and the impact on himself and other colleagues in the IDP Camp.
Valentine Celebration with Unit Hikers the IDP Camp In Kuchingoro
Today, we want to remind you that the work you’re doing is incredibly important. Caregiving is a vital and rewarding field, and your efforts make a real difference in the lives of those you care for. Keep up the great work, and remember to take time to appreciate the impact you’re having on the world.
Help us make a difference in the lives of the elderly.
Our foundation provides essential training to caregivers, ensuring that seniors receive the care and attention they need. With your sponsorship, we can continue to offer this invaluable service, improving the lives of countless seniors in our community. Whether you’re an individual or a business, your contribution will make a tangible impact. Donate to our foundation today and join us in making a difference. Contact us today: Phone:(+234) 908 016 1319 (+234) 903 311 6601
Dewdrop Foundation Valentine’s Day Celebration with our Seenagers at the IDP camp Kuchingoro, Abuja, Nigeria
Valentine’s Day is a time to show love and care to those around us, and this year, Dewdrop Foundation and COSROPIN went above and beyond to spread love to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Kuchingoro camp, Abuja, Nigeria. The Foundation organized a special Valentine’s Day celebration for the residents of the camp, we had sporting activities/games with the elderly(Seenagers), gave out clothes, food items, and toiletries.
The IDP camp in Kuchingoro is home to over 1,000 families who have been displaced from their homes due to various conflicts and crises in the country. The residents of the camp face many challenges, including lack of basic amenities such as clean water, electricity, and healthcare. In addition, many of the residents have lost their loved ones and are struggling to cope with the trauma of displacement.
The residents of the IDP camp were overjoyed at the sight of the volunteers distributing the gifts. Many of them had never received such gifts before and were grateful for the show of love and care. The children in the camp were particularly excited and could be seen running around in their new clothes, with big smiles on their faces.
Dewdrop Foundation’s Valentine’s Day celebration at the IDP camp in Kuchingoro was not just about giving out gifts. It was a demonstration of the Foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of the elderly and childeren at the IDPs and providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives. The event was also an opportunity for the residents of the camp to feel loved and cared for, despite the difficult circumstances they face.
Dewdrop Foundation’s Valentine’s Day celebration at the IDP camp in Kuchingoro was a huge success. The event brought joy and love to the residents of the camp, and it was a reminder that we can all make a difference in the lives of others through acts of kindness and compassion.
Help us make a difference in the lives of the elderly.
Our foundation provides essential training to caregivers, ensuring that seniors receive the care and attention they need. With your sponsorship, we can continue to offer this invaluable service, improving the lives of countless seniors in our community. Whether you’re an individual or a business, your contribution will make a tangible impact. Donate to Dewdrop Foundation today, and partner with us in making a difference.#Ageing is a blessing. Contact us today: Phone:(+234) 908 016 1319 (+234) 903 311 6601
The fate of the internally displaced people (IDP) at the Kuchingoro camp
Due to the incessant conflicts and attacks faced by many in the different states in Nigeria, there has been loss of lives and properties. A large number of Nigerians today predominantly women and children are displaced with no proper shelters over their heads. Many displaced persons in their thousands are living in poverty and despondency.
Displacement is therefore a form of negative social change. It is an unplanned sudden movement of people seeking protection from violence. Internally displaced persons were forcefully driven from their natural or original place of residence or homes through violence. IDPs are forced to leave their homes or they are maimed or killed while their properties are destroyed and their economic sources of livelihood decimated.
With a population of 4500 persons, the Kuchingoro IDPs are a mix of persons from Bauchi, Plateau, Adamawa, and over 90% from Borno State.
Another noteworthy concern is the dehumanizing condition of the IDPs. The IDPs had migrated to the camp since 2014; however the concern of the government towards them was visible only during the first year. They depended more on humanitarian assistance – from Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and well-meaning Nigerians.
We attend monthly seenager/the Elderly meeting at Kuchingoro IDP camp to attend to their welfare, medical and emotional needs, we engage in physical exercises, listen to their personal needs and find possible ways to solve them.
At Dewdrop Foundation, our goal is to ensure that senior citizens at get the much needed professional care and loving companionship to enable them age gracefully and live longer. The Foundation supports Senior Citizens/the Elderly at the Kuchingoro IDP camp to form Associations focused on supporting each other, addressing their common needs, and providing a voice for the Elderly/Aged in the society.
We also provide skills/capacity building and job opportunities for Caregivers, focused on Elderly-care and enables such Caregivers to become self-reliant through entrepreneurship and empowerment programs.
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS 2021 THEME: “DIGITAL EQUITY FOR ALL AGES”
Dewdrop Foundation commemorates with our dear country Nigeria as she marks 61 years today. We celebrate Nigeria as a Seenager today as the world also marks the International Day for Older Persons.
Today which marks the International Day for Older Persons brings with it the awareness and understanding of the roles of older persons in our communities and society at large. Over 20% (2 billion) of the world’s population is estimated to be 60 years and above by the year 2050, this calls for more efforts to combat age discrimination, neglect and abuse of the older population.
This year’s theme; “Digital Equity for all Ages” advocates the need for access and meaningful participation of the older persons in the digital world. The break of the Covid-19 pandemic has opened our world to the need for utilizing the technology at our disposal for growth and progress as it has shaped how we live, work and relate to one another.
In Nigeria especially in rural communities, older persons face discrimination on a daily basis which is caused by stereotyping, criticism etc. The younger population usually want nothing to do with the elderly . They are considered an economic burden with no value in society. This is mostly caused by the fact that a large number of older persons were mostly farmers, petty traders, and livestock rarer and as such are uneducated and retired. In most parts of Nigeria, older women are thought to be “witches” who bring misfortune to the family because they suffer age related health challenges such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia and the likes. Unfortunately, there is little or no knowledge awareness on the health challenge. Some suffer all forms of abuse by family members & primary caregivers and are deprived of their right to a safe and happy life in older age. They also suffer from social marginalization, loneliness, and negligence, all of which violate the human rights of older people living in Nigeria.
In recent age, Technology advancements are becoming entrenched in many aspects of our societies and hold the potential to create opportunities towards an inclusive, sustainable development, and provide tools to surmount the challenges faced by many to fully participate in the development process. However, where access to ICTs is limited and not inclusive, it can intensify existing inequalities and even create new ones. Both the opportunities and challenges intrinsic to technological progress have been illustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic (United Nations 2020). Technological advances offer great hope for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Digital equity refers to how people can access and effectively use the technology necessary to participate in the society. Also digital inclusion denotes efforts to remedy deficits in digital equity. Digital inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities including the most disadvantaged have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
To bring awareness of the importance of digital inclusion of older persons, it is necessary to identify the struggle of older persons with reduced reactivity which makes it harder for them to keep up with fast paced technology. Age itself is not a barrier to using digital technologies although older persons tend to face such barriers such as cost, skills and disabilities. It is important to breach the digital gap in the older population as it will be a welcome initiative in the fight against elder abuse.
Dewdrop Foundation has since been advocating for the rights of older persons in rural communities in Enugu State and Kuchingoro IDP camp in Abuja –Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In our advocacy on the rights of older persons, we have carried out sensitization awareness on the health challenges faced by older persons and how they can receive proper care. We engaged community leaders, stakeholders and family relatives and the community at large where we sensitized them on the challenges of the older persons and best care practices. The primary caregivers were also impacted with the proper skill set needed through our City and Guilds UK vocational training.
On this day and every day, we must acknowledge that all people, regardless of their age, have their role in society and should not be excluded or discriminated against due to their perceived ability. We encourage everyone to connect with and carry along the older generation in your community to unearth and tap into the talents and digital knowledge they have to share and contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.
WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS 2021 THEME: “VICTIMS’ VOICES LEAD THE WAY”
Human trafficking in the last couple of years has emerged as a global business that has cut across most countries of the world which reaps a lot of profit for the traffickers and their criminal associates. While there have been a lot of national outcry and aggressive “war” against a number of criminal activities such as the drug trafficking, arms smuggling, etc, the issue of human trafficking has continued as an area that most Nigerians are either reluctant or less interested to discuss. Meanwhile, hundreds, if not thousands, of law abiding Nigerian citizens are either forcefully captured or deceitfully taken away from their people and homes for the exchange of money to the advantage of human traffickers (Jegede, Anyikwa, & Igwe, 2011).
The issue becomes critical when one considers the overwhelming statistics of trafficking in persons in Nigeria. UNICEF (2007) estimates that about 8 million Nigerians are at risk of being trafficked each year internally and externally for domestic and forced labour, prostitution, entertainment, pornography, armed conflict, and sometimes ritual killings. What is worrisome it that the cartels behind the exportation of young girls and women to overseas countries to work in the sex trade remained faceless.
No matter how many times the women might be deported; they seemed to easily procure travel documents to return to the same or different foreign lands to continue in the trade. While some entered into the trade knowingly- sometimes even with the connivance, approval or acquiescence of their parentsothers appeared to have been lured into it with false tales of money to be made from plaiting or weaving hair, working as a maid or children’s nanny-tales which though false could seem quite reasonable to young women anxious to help reduce the hardship being faced by their families.
There are diverse reasons why many Nigerian children are vulnerable to trafficking, as the following factors includes; widespread poverty, large family size, and rapid urbanization with deteriorating public services, low literacy levels and high school dropout rates. The high demand for cheap commercial sex workers in countries of destination also strongly contributes to the growth of this phenomenon and the success of this criminal network. Parents with a large family, often overburdened with the care of too many children, are prone to the traffickers deceit in giving away some of their children to city residents or even strangers promising a better life for their children.
This year’s campaign highlights the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking. They are the key actors in the fight against human trafficking as they play a role in establishing effective measures to prevent the crime, identify and rescue victims and support them on their journey to rehabilitation and reintegration into the society. Human trafficking victims have experienced ignorance or misunderstanding in their attempts to seek help, as they have had traumatic post-recue experiences during legal proceedings. Some of them have faced victimization or subjected to stigmatization or have received inadequate support. Learning from victims’ experiences and turning their suggestions into concrete actions will lead to a more victim-centered and effective approach in combating human trafficking.
Dewdrop Foundation established a relationship in 2006 with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to provide protection for abused victims of human trafficking and domestic servitude. Vocational trainings was provided for the victims as a means to empower and create a source of livelihood for them to reintegrate back into society.
IMPACT OF DEWDROP FOUNDATION’S CAREGIVING TRAINING ON THE WELL-BEING AND HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY IN THE VOICE PROJECT COMMUNITIES
Dewdrop Foundation in partnership with Centre for Gender Economics Initiative (CGE-Africa) co-implemented an 18 months project; CURTAILING ELDER ABUSE IN ELEVEN COMMUNITIES IN ENUGU STATE between 2019 – 2020. The project was funded by Oxfam’s Voice to reduce the incidences of physical, verbal or psychological violence against elderly, as well as bridge the knowledge gaps in the Care of the elderly among relatives, community members and caregivers of the elderly. The overall impact of the project was to improve the health and the well-being of the elderly and strengthen their voices by;
- Dialogue and engagement;
- Improvement in the health and social welfare of the elderly
- Promotion of the acceptance of the elderly within the community;
- Empowerment through capacity development and skills acquisition on Eldercare.
The project identified the need to equip the primary Caregivers of the elderly with the relevant skills and knowledge needed to effectively care for the aged. This need was identified through a baseline survey conducted in 11 eleven communities in Enugu State Nigeria 2019, on the “Neglect and Abuse of Elderly Persons in Enugu State” (see link to the baseline study report https://bit.ly/3xbokTd). The research outcome showed a devastating health and wellbeing status of the elderly in sampled communities. Some of the identified causes of the poor health and well-being of the elderly included; neglect by the community, poor awareness about the needs of the elderly, intergenerational disconnect between the elderly and the younger generation, and the absence of social inclusion & protection framework for the care of the elderly.
To reverse these trends, the project focused on building community capacity and knowledge through sensitizations, advocacies, awareness exercises and vocational education for members of the community, the community leaders and other relevant stakeholders on eldercare. The project also underscored the importance of protecting the elderly from negative vices such as neglect and abuse.
Dewdrop Foundation collaborated with the Centre for Gender Economics and Dewdrop Institute, which is the training arm of DDF in order to train the primary Caregivers of the elderly. The trainees, who were mostly family relatives were equipped with relevant skills in bathing, health and hygiene, safety tips, dressing, feeding and mobility. They learnt the proper ways to care for the elderly. Prior to the inception of the DDF/CGE Africa project in the communities, elderly persons were tagged as witches and wizards, whose ordeal was perceived as the repercussion for the wrong done during their youthful days. As a result of this misconception in these communities, most older persons were treated with disdain and suffer neglect, and in worst cases abuse.
Similarly, the age-related challenges; ranging from deteriorating sensory system, urinary system and so on, further aggravated the pains of our older beneficiaries. This project therefore aimed at correcting the wrong socio-cultural perception, that had become unwittingly imbibed in the communities. To create a mindset change, DDF carried out series of awareness and sensitizations on the rights and privileges of the elderly as well as educating the communities on how best to cater for this vulnerable population.
The beneficiaries of the project were from the eleven (11) project communities which are; Akpuoga – Nike, Akwuke, Akwuke – Uwani, Amechi – Idodo, Ishienu – Nkerefi, Isigwe – Ugbawka, Ndiagu – Owo, Ogbeke/Ukuruta, Ogonogoeji Ndiuno Akpugo, Ojiagu Agbani and Umuode communities in Enugu State. The workshop beneficiaries were taught the diverse health challenges which older persons suffer ranging from Dementia, Alzheimer’s, incontinence and the likes and the ways to care for them with each peculiar challenge. The rights of older persons and Caregivers alike were taught as enunciated in the United Nations (UN) Unilateral Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR). The Vocational training beneficiaries learnt the importance of upholding these rights in administering care to the elderly persons. The Caregivers also learnt about the various forms of elder abuse and the best ways to support victims to deal with signs as well as where to seek redress. The workshop reached over 40 Caregivers from the 11 project communities in Enugu State. The elderly persons in the communities now testify to an improvement in their health and wellbeing as a result of the better care they receive from their Caregivers who have been trained.
The professional Caregiving training impacted on the lives, services and by implication the earnings & career status of the primary Caregivers. Meanwhile, on the flip side, the elderly benefitted from project through improved services received from the trained caregiver which translated to improved quality of lives of the elderly people.
DDF created a data base for feedback, testimonies, and videos retrieved from the beneficiaries. Questionnaires were also administered as part of DDF’s project monitoring and evaluation strategy. As a way of tracking project impact and sustaining project gains (impacts), DDF continues to support the established Seenagers platform (a name coined from senior teenagers aged 60 and above) through the facilitation of the monthly Seenagers’ meeting by trained community mobilizers/Caregivers using CGE/DDF knowledge material “Seenagers meeting Toolkit”. Topical age-related issues, health based and social concerns of the elderly are addressed in this monthly meeting across the 11 communities through the established Seenagers’ platforms.
An overview of the Front cover DDF/CGE’s Seenagers Meeting Toolkit
The three-module Seenager Meeting toolkit include; Sections under Life Cycle and Relationships, Promoting Healthy habits and systems, the ideal Community and State, with highly impactful topics ranging from; safety, freedom from abuse, attitudes towards retirement, health and social care for the elderly, lifestyle and hygiene, disability issue among the aged, transport and mobility, civic participation, social inclusion etc. This document is an innovative guide for trained caregivers and community mobilizers in Enugu State for caring for the elderly and for anchoring the monthly Seenagers’ meeting.
Other education-based materials produced under the project include;
- Enugu State Elderly Persons Welfare and Social Protection Bill: This document aimed at securing right responses and commitment to the wellbeing of the elderly in Enugu State through the presentation of ideas and privileges that will provide for the welfare and social Protection of elderly persons resident in Enugu State.
An overview of the Front cover DDF/CGE’s Social Protection Bill Submitted to the Enugu State House of assembly, 2019
- The Community Inclusion Guide for the Elderly: This document emphasized the inclusion strategies that can be adopted by the different community stakeholders and their roles towards the well-being of the elderly
An overview of the Front cover DDF/CGE’s Community Inclusion Guide for the Elderly
- Neglect and abuse of Elderly Persons in Enugu State: The baseline study of 11 communities was undertaken in 11 community samples of Enugu State to;
- Review community and family attitudes towards elders care and well-being,
- Identify the typology of abuse experienced by elders, and
- Find out factors that are both supportive as well as obstructive to elder care within home-based care in project communities and recommend measures to address the problems.
Some of DDF’s trained Caregivers taking elderly people on an evening walk.
Caregivers rendering mobility assistance to an elderly woman
One of DDF’s trained Caregiver carrying out outdoor recreational activity with an elderly.
A cross section of the caregivers writing a snap test during the Caregiving training
Picture of some trainees during the caregiving training
One of Dewdrop Institute’s facilitators during the training section
Rev Sr Judith Nwodo, observing lesson delivery during the Caregiving training
One of the beneficiaries of DDF’s Caregiving training (Miracle Alice Okorie) with a Seenager
James Nwaobodo (a beneficiary of DDF’s vocational training in Caregiving) with his grandmother
International Women’s Day
People all over the world will be thinking and looking forward to this day when we celebrate all women, and that is the International Women’s Day. What is International Women’s Day and what does it represent towards all women? It is the day we celebrate the great feats that women have attained on the Social, Economic, Cultural, and Political spheres within society. On this special day we acclaim and celebrate the achievements and strides that women have taken to arrive at the social level that has been attained till date despite multiple challenges and glass ceilings in their way.
The first National Women’s day celebration took place in the United States on 28th February 1909. The United Nations theme for the 8th March 2021 is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world”. In addition, the overall theme for International Women’s day is #chose to challenge as biases and misconceptions are being addressed.
If we take a look at the women and ladies that have done well in Nigeria for example, we are able to take a look at a few ladies that include; Folorunsho Alakija, the Vice Chair of Famfa Oil, her first company was a fashion company called Supreme Stitches, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, who served as the former Finance and Foreign Minister of Nigeria, Former Managing Director World Bank, Former chair of Gavi Vaccine Alliance, African Union.
Within Africa, we have Bonang Matheba who is from South Africa and is globally known for being an award-winning radio host, TV presenter and MC. A Global Citizen ambassador and style icon, Michelle Obama was the first lady of America married to the 44th President of America Barack Obama. Michelle Obama is a role model to women and advocate for healthy families, higher education, and international adolescent girl’s education, and Christine Lagarde who was the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
With all these successes and achievements that have been attained by women all over the world, the International women’s day will continue to symbolise and follow a couple of values that mark the day as a very important one. At Dewdrop Foundation, our team strongly supports activities that ensure that “Dignity for women are to be respected, duly valued and appreciated. We continue to promote gender partnership that enables women and men to collaborate and bring about the needed change and growth in humanity. We sincerely appreciate and commended women in all spheres of life for their achievements all over the world, as well as their non-stop efforts and contributions towards making our society better for all.