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 31st
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………….
