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The Kwamkur Samuel Foundation for Justice and Peace Development on Wednesday celebrated Children’s Day with hundreds of vulnerable children at Zambiri Outreach Childcare Centre Jos, where food items, educational materials and other relief items were donated to support children displaced by violent attacks across Plateau State.
The outreach, held in Jos, brought together children, caregivers, clerics and community leaders in an atmosphere of excitement, dancing competitions, quiz contests and games as the foundation reaffirmed its commitment to justice, peace and humanitarian development.
Speaking during the event, Chairman and Founder of the foundation, Barr. Samuel Kwamkur, said the visit to the orphanage was inspired by a long-standing desire to support vulnerable children and victims of insecurity.
Kwamkur recalled that he first visited the centre about eight years ago alongside a Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi church and was deeply touched by the conditions under which the children were being cared for.
According to him, the foundation’s intervention was driven by the need to promote justice and peace through support for disadvantaged persons, especially victims of attacks, kidnappings and communal crises.
He lamented that while repentant terrorists were being rehabilitated in parts of the country, many victims of violent attacks had continued to suffer neglect without meaningful government support.
“Our organization works for justice, peace and development, but our emphasis is on peace built around justice. From our research and years of engagement, we discovered that insecurity in Nigeria is connected to injustice and lack of attention to victims of crises,” he stated.
Kwamkur explained that the foundation focuses on advocacy, education and humanitarian support, stressing that education remained a vital tool in preventing vulnerable children from becoming victims of societal breakdown.
“These children are highly disadvantaged. Imagine them growing up without education; they could become vulnerable and even become a challenge to society. Great sacrifices are being made here to train them, and that aligns with our vision,” he added.
He noted that the organization intentionally chose the orphanage for this year’s Children’s Day celebration after members of the foundation unanimously agreed to identify with the centre and its mission.
Responding, Proprietor of the orphanage home, Dr. Mrs Gloria Ladi-Kwashi, expressed appreciation to the foundation for identifying with the children and supporting the ministry.
She described the visit as a divine encouragement and a sign that more partners were being raised to support vulnerable children across Plateau State.
“Honestly, I feel very encouraged, blessed and grateful. Their coming is a partnership with us, and we are truly grateful,” she said.
Ladi-Kwashi disclosed that the items donated by the foundation included maize, rice, exercise books, biros, drinks and other materials needed for the daily upkeep and education of the children.
“What amazed me was that the items they brought were exactly what we truly needed even though they never asked us beforehand. We feed the children here every day and provide almost everything for them because they do not pay school fees,” she explained.
She added that the visit made both the children and caregivers feel valued and appreciated despite the challenges associated with caring for displaced and orphaned children.
Also speaking, Principal of the centre, Loretta Igweonu, disclosed that the outreach centre currently caters for over 552 children across its two branches, with about 437 presently resident at the Jos facility.
According to her, most of the children were orphans and underprivileged children affected by violent attacks and displacement from communities in Bassa, Mangu and other troubled parts of Plateau State.
She explained that the institution operates an open admission process aimed at giving hope and education to children affected by insecurity and poverty.
Former Plateau State Chief Judge and Board Chairman of the foundation, Justice Daniel Longji, alongside Guest Speaker, Rev. Prof. Stephen Vondip, charged parents and guardians to take child upbringing seriously, describing proper parenting as a biblical responsibility.
Vondip encouraged the children to remain committed to the study of the Bible and moral uprightness, stressing that the Word of God remained the foundation for a successful future.
“The future starts today. What will shape your future is the Word of God in your heart. Begin to study the Bible and let it richly dwell in you,” he advised.
The celebration featured dancing competitions, quizzes, games and other recreational activities which thrilled the children and guests alike.
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