A NEW YEAR HOPE FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN NIGERIA

As the year 2026 begins, Tabitha Home steps forward with renewed hope and a continued commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building on the impact of previous years, the organization remains dedicated to supporting residential and non-residential beneficiaries, as well as individuals in underserved rural communities, through impactful programs such as A Pad a Girl, Girls Tech, and the School Advocacy Project.

With a strong focus on Child Development, Social Integration, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Tabitha Home continues to provide holistic care, encompassing nutrition, shelter, education, and psychosocial support. The organization remains inspired by the resilience of its beneficiaries and deeply grateful for the unwavering support of donors and partners, whose collaboration continues to transform lives and drive sustainable change in 2026 and beyond.

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2026 HIGHLIGHTS

•  Successfully reintegrated one child with her family.
•  Two of our girls who gained admission last year resumed school in the third week of January.
•  Two of our children won 250,000 through Hardukeh Art Gallery; 200,000 of the prize was invested in a drawing and painting skill-acquisition program sponsored by the organization, running on weekends from December through January and February.
•  All our children resumed their various schools after the three-week holiday.

• The theme for the month of January is forgiveness and that of February is Love.

OVERVIEW

CHILD PROTECHION

Tabitha Home provides a safe and nurturing environment for 60 children, ensuring compliance with Child Rights Laws, Safeguarding Policies, and Health and Safety regulations. Security is maintained 24/7 in partnership with community personnel.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

Children at Tabitha Home receive three nutritious meals daily, supplemented with snacks, fruits, and vitamins to support growth and development.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

Following a three-week holiday, thirty-nine children in nursery and primary school resumed the 2025/2026 academic session. In addition, eleven university students returned to their respective institutions, marking a steady continuation of Tabitha Home’s commitment to education at all levels.

This month also marked an important university milestone, as two girls who gained admission last year resumed their classes. Looking ahead, the organization anticipates the resumption of five additional children at the University of Ibadan in March, which will bring the total number of supported university students to eighteen. This progress reflects Tabitha Home’s ongoing dedication to ensuring access to education and supporting long-term academic growth for its beneficiaries. In February, the children in Primary and Secondary schools wrote their mid-term examinations and went on a two day mid term break.

MEDICAL SUPPORT

The children’s health remained stable throughout the month. On the 21st of February, through a partnership facilitated by one of the organizations we are registered with and the Society for Family Health, all the children were screened for tuberculosis (TB) as part of routine health monitoring and preventive care.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

An outdoor family meeting/picnic was organised during the children’s mid-term holiday, where staff and children bonded in a relaxed setting. The event featured games, question-and-answer sessions, an essay competition, and an exchange of encouraging words.

This gathering provided an opportunity for both staff and children to build stronger relationships and relate with one another beyond their usual structured roles. It also served as an additional layer of psychosocial support, reinforcing trust, openness, and a sense of belonging within the Home.

TABITHA HOME EXPANSION PROJECT 

Another major highlight in February was the relocation of the boys to their new apartment. The Tabitha Home expansion project became necessary as the Home was becoming overcrowded. With support successfully mobilized, the expansion has significantly improved our capacity and strengthened our ability to provide holistic care in a more secure, spacious, and nurturing environment.

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND OUTING

Two events that stood out in January and February were the Monthly Birthday Celebration and the Love for JAMB Project.

In January, we held our first monthly birthday celebration of the year, during which one of our girls marked her 16th birthday. The celebration created a joyful atmosphere and reinforced a sense of belonging and emotional support within the Home.

In February, through the Love for JAMB Project, two of our children who will be graduating from Senior Secondary School this year and sitting for the UTME were invited by The Outpour of Fragrance to participate in a debate competition. The topic debated was: “Is online learning better than traditional school learning?” The experience exposed them to intellectual engagement beyond the classroom and boosted their confidence and public speaking skills. 

COUNSELLING AND MENTORSHIP

To further strengthen the children in our care, we organised counselling and mentorship sessions on the fourth weekend of January. The university students participated in a virtual session on Sunday, while the primary and secondary school children had a physical session at the Home on Saturday.

As a bonus, the university students also engaged in an interactive session on money and life skills, where they learned that while money is important, it should not distract them from their primary responsibility in the university. The sessions emphasized that success does not always follow a straight path, and while motivation may start a journey, it is discipline that ensures it is     completed.

SKILL ACQUISITION

Last year, two of our children won 250,000 with Hardukeh Art Gallery. 200,000 of this prize was invested in a skill acquisition program in drawing and painting by the sponsor organisation, which began in December and runs through the weekends of January and February.

Both children have been attending classes consistently and are learning quickly. Their progress has been impressive, and soon, you’ll be meeting our two young artists. 

COOPERATIVE WOMEN

The Cooperative Women held their first monthly meeting on 27 January 2026. During the meeting, members reviewed their plans for the year, which include hosting their first Annual General Meeting and electing representatives. They also discussed strategies for selling products to increase income for the group.

A key highlight of the meeting was the support given to one of the members who accessed a loan from the cooperative to purchase a generator to support her business. Previously hawking drinks, she will now operate from her shop, using the generator to power a freezer and expand her sales. 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND HOUSEHOLD STRENGTHENING

In February, Tabitha Home extended love and support to 12 individuals in distress within the community. One beneficiary, an orphan who had completed skill acquisition training, was supported with payment for a shop space to help her establish her business.

Ten individuals received financial assistance to register for and purchase the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) form, enabling them to pursue higher education opportunities.

In addition, a 36-year-old widow with three children was supported with the payment of her children’s school fees to ensure their continued access to education.

ADVOCACY & AWARENESS

In February, Tabitha Home produced an advocacy video on our social media platforms to speak out against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The video highlighted the physical and psychological risks associated with FGM and emphasized the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of girls.

Through this initiative, we aimed to raise awareness among our followers and the wider community, promote education on the harmful effects of FGM, and encourage collective action to safeguard children’s rights.

CONCLUSION

The months of January and February reflect Tabitha Home’s continued commitment to holistic child development. From stable school resumption across all levels to psychosocial support, health interventions, mentorship, and community outreach, the organization remains intentional about nurturing well-rounded and resilient children.

As the year progresses, Tabitha Home will build on these foundations by strengthening educational initiatives, expanding advocacy efforts, and sustaining programs that promote long-term growth and stability. With the continued support of partners and donors, we remain hopeful and determined to drive meaningful and lasting impact in 2026 and beyond.

Links:

• Tabitha Home family meeting
• Tabitha Home advocates against FGM
• A Tabitha Home child presents her spoken words