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It all started with a
conversation with a friend in the banking industry. He The “Support An Orphan project” is an initiative of Development Report Magazine. It is a quarterly event that involves mobilizing groups of people to visit an orphanage, to show love and give support. The aim of this event is to create a giving culture amongst Africans, to glamorize the art of giving by organizing group visits to orphanages. We want to make such visits a favorite past time, a social outing and an avenue to network amongst others. This project will be held quarterly to continuously instil this passion to support the less privileged in the society.
Little Saints Orphanage accepted our offer immediately, and we began to make preparations, send out invites and do all that was necessary to see that 9th of August came to pass…. And it did.. All we can say is Thank You BABA!!! We are using this platform to acknowledge and say a BIG thank you to people that graced the event. This list is in no particular order…. Salamat Imana Dazumi … Had to start with family eh?…lol Ojo Esther (Na you first come) Volunteers You guys rock…Kemi..I owe U! Buster ( The next UN Secretary General) Gbubemi Atimomo ( U spent ur birthday with
Us.. God bless U!)
The event started @ 9.30am, even though we had fixed 11am as take off time. One of the guests arrived earlier that the organizers. She had a wedding to attend and wanted to drop off her gifts before rushing off. We had to set up the backdrop hurriedly for her to take a shot. Esther Ojo… we appreciate your selflessness… Guests arrived one after the other like typical Nigerians (About an hour late!), but the event went on still, people came dropped their gifts and went in the hall to listen to the organizers talk, network, watch a short documentary on the orphanage and dance! At 2.30pm, we went in to see the kids in batches, it was a transforming experience. The orphanage authorities are very particular about direct pictures because some of these kids will be up for adoption in the future and it wasn't proper to use their pictures for commercial purpose (Like facebook!). You can view the complete pictures here http://www.developmentreport.org/photo.php?c=album&d=SOP What we achieved ” I used to give alms to mainly beggars on the street, I have never been to an orphanage. I didnt know that they had such cute kids. I cant believe that I made a difference in their lives with my little gift(A pack of indomie). This is an eye opener, its a new experience for me”… Bimpe Disu “My idea of visiting an orphanage is nothing near this, I ‘ll definately attend the next one. I feel so good, it was mad fun. The pictures, the branding, the setting is soo clean and classy. And the people are so cheerful. You guys are doing it right”….Mariam Olomada “Alhaji Imanah.. Congratulations on a successful event”…. U know yourself. I no go put your name…lol What to expect… The Project has been officially launched. The next event has been fixed for 6th of December 2008. We will keep you posted. But its not just about about the event. SOP is a movement.. Its about encouraging people to support orphanages. It is about promoting the cause. You can become a supporter today by simply ordering for your SOP t-shirt. sop@developmentreport.org The official page for SOP is still being updated on our website http://www.developmentreport.org/SOP We will post news and updates there on a regular basis. |
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accused media people of being good at talking the talk. He said media people
were very good at complaining but bad at proffering solutions. This hit a raw
nerve because our publication focuses mainly on societal issues, charity and
development.. We decided to differentiate our selves from the others. We wanted
to do more than just talk.. we decided to act…thus the birth of SUPPORT AN
ORPHAN PROJECT
We
started with the end in mind… we fixed a date and made it known to the general
public. Why? .. So that we will be under pressure to deliver. Our first point of
call was Modupe Cole Home @ Akoka.. We approached them with our letter, made our
presentation but were told that it was a government facility and any public
visit had to be approved by a series of govt officials. We moved on because we
did not have the time for all the bureaucracy…
