Child Sponsorship background from Owu-Ijebu, Nigeria

SOS Children's Village Owu-Ijebu

The SOS Children's Village Owu-Ijebu was built on a 25 hectares plot which was donated by the government of Nigeria. Owu-Ijebu is located some 145 km east of Lagos. The first six children and their SOS mothers, SOS aunts and the Village Director were able to move into their new home as early as January 1996.

The SOS Children's Village Owu-Ijebu comprises 12 family houses, a Village Director's house, accommodation for the co-workers, a guest house, an administrative and service block, an orchard and a kitchen garden. The small clinic which is part of the administrative and service block ensures that children receive medical treatment on the spot if need be.

In 1997, the clinic was opened to patients from the neighbourhood of the SOS Children's Village. In the first year only, more than 2,000 patients received medical care at the clinic.

Other SOS Projects in Owu-Ijebu

In October 1996, an SOS Nursery, attended both by children from the SOS Children's Village and from the surrounding community, was added to the village. It includes three classrooms, one classroom for Montessori education, one classroom for special education and ancillary rooms. About 75 children are cared for in the nursery.

As soon as youths reach the age of about 15, they move either to the SOS Youth Home or to a rented house, according to requirements, where they are taken care of by a youth leader. Being admitted to an SOS Youth Home is tantamount to taking responsibility for one self and making a big step towards independence. Being fully aware of this, SOS mothers, the Village Director and a psychologist prepare them carefully for that change. Usually, youths stay up to four years in an SOS Youth Facility. They may stay longer, however, if they are looking for work, completing professional training or studying at a university.

The SOS Primary School, located next to the SOS Children's Village, offers education to some 210 students from the SOS Children's Village and its neighbourhood. It consists of six classrooms, one classroom for special education, three practical classrooms for home economics, arts and crafts, music, computer lessons and a library, administration and ancillary rooms, and a school canteen.

The SOS Social Centre Owu-Ijebu started to operate in 2004. It provides assistance to children from families affected by HIV/AIDS by paying school fees and unsettled rents, donating cloths and foodstuff. At the same time it focuses on Family Strengthening Programmes, counselling and medical care for families in need in cooperation with the local authorities and other NGOs.