Church launches NGO for children

By Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

International Church of Christ (ICOC) Nigeria has launched Caring Hearts Initiative (CHI), which is designed to cater for the developmental needs of children between 1 to 6 years old.

At the ceremony held yesterday at the ICOC’s Missions House in Ikeja, Lagos, the initiative was flagged off with the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme, which will assist targeted children within and outside its community to develop their full potentials.

ICOC’s Lead Evangelist, Mr. Chris Ogbonnaya admonished the church to ensure all that they do to glorify Christ and not jeopardise the purpose for which the initiative was founded.

In his words, CHI’s Programme Director, Mr Jide Ojo noted the newly incorporated charity is posed to be the “foremost in the provision of quality and endearing care for all.”

According to Ojo, 77 children from ICOC’s 11 regions in Lagos, selected through a survey, will be the first set of beneficiaries for one year.

For the first batch, he stated that N14 million, which would be sourced through members’ contributions and the public, has been budgeted to ensure that the ECD programme is implemented successfully.

He explained the programme is commencing with the children within the church community due to paucity of funds, adding that children outside would join the list of beneficiaries as they receive support from well-meaning individuals, donors and other non-governmental organisations.

“Our mission is to work for the quality of life for everyone, everywhere. It doesn’t even matter if you are not a Christian. What matters is to meet your needs,” Ojo said.

He added: “in our programming, we would be looking at issues related to families, parenting, children, gender, and other related human endeavours.

“Already, we are receiving tutoring from Hope Worldwide, South Africa for the implementation of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme. In all our programming, the mission of Jesus will be an integral part.”

President of the ICOC’s Board, Mr Imagbe Igbinoba, expressed happiness over the multiplier effect the initiative will have on the church community and public in the long run.

He, however, called for more support while explaining that the organisation hopes to spread its tentacles to the public and regions in other states on time.

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