PROJECT BRAVE TEAM- Be Right Above Visual Encumberances

Toke

Biodun

Funke

Toyin

Tope

Jonathan

Michael

REPORT ON OUR VISIT TO THE CORRECTIONAL CENTRE IDI-ARABA YABA LAGOS STATE

We embarked on our trip at 11:30am on Tuesday the 31^st of December 2013 in a cab.

Tope, Funke, Biodun and I were all present and we went to the correctional home at Idi-araba in which we were adviced. All three of us sojourned to our place of primary assignment, the fourth volunteer could not get there in good time so I directed her and she came on a motorcycle while we gave her the precise location via phone call.

Therefore, all four of us carried the luggage we had inside the correctional home. And we were received warmly after introducing ourselves and telling them the purpose of our visit.

We first conversed with a young female staff we met there. Who gave us a brief history and statistics of the children present. She afterwards introduced us to the vice-president and other staff and told us the rule abiding the house is that we are restricted from taking pictures of the students due to their present state of mind due to the fact that some have been sexually abused by relatives,friends and strangers; others were violated against their will in doing things that ordinarily children of their age shouldn’t delve into; other children were brought by their parents due to moral delinquencies and some dangerous habits they could not handle. they were presently distraught  and wouldn’t want them to be stigmatized when seen by their colleagues on various social media.

 Thereafter, we spoke to the students about the various vices all around and how they can be exceptionally good amidst them all. The woman in charge informed us that the population of the girls in the correctional home is 53 in all. And the whole area has been divided into three sections- The correctional, Special correctional, and Transit homes she also said that they had different vocations that they participate in during the period.

Biodun begun by asking the children to introduce themselves after which we had introduced ourselves.

She buttressed on confidence and the positive impact they can have on their immediate environment.

I afterwards spoke on the future ambition and what it means to aspire and achieve it. I questioned the students on what they would like to be in the future though some of them didn’t know and I gave them options in which they selected an option and I prayed that they will achieve all they desire in Jesus name.

Funke also spoke on their life as a whole and the fact that they make use of every given opportunity given. Tope spoke on their being fortunate to have a roof over their heads and that everything they find to do should be done with the best of their efforts. And that they should not take for granted the golden privilege they have because there are numerous people on the street wishing they have this same opportunity they presently have. Thereafter we beckoned on the girls to give their ask questions and also give a brief summary of what they have learned, in which they did. We rounded up by praying with them and committing their future into God’s hands. We presented the Clothes, foodstuffs and toiletries which was documented and stamped by the staff.

We later moved on to see the proprietress Mrs Faboro in her office and she told us about herself and her  various certifications and achievements and she commended us on our efforts towards making this initiative a success. She then asked us to introduce ourselves and our field of study and she was elated to know that we are not just graduates, but we are doing excellently and our passion to improve the living situation of others. We also appreciated her for having us.

We were later led by the female staff behind the convergence hall to the various vocational training centers which comprises a dress making room, hair dressing salon, bead and jewelry making, catering service which were either constructed by various churches and non-governmental organizations or the contributions sent in cash or kind. The rooms were fully stocked with sewing machines and other gadgets required for the students use. We also saw some of the works done by the students which was quite impressive. We took some photos of the machines and with the staff.

We later went upstairs to their dormitory and we noticed that some of the students were locked up separately in a secluded enclosure. When we asked why, we were told that some of the students connived with other boys to rape the girls that were going out for their normal activities outside. Some others escaped from the home and were found by the police in the market place and the rest broke the laws abiding the home. So within the secluded area they were about 4-6 of them they bathed once a day, passed their waste in which was emptied and cleaned. Thereafter we commended them on maintaining cleanliness and order in the home and bade them goodbye.

What an eventful day we had………….