1^st Term (September – December 2024) Report

With your help, in the 1^st Term of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, we provided educational, social, medical, and legal support through the Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Centre (“CRJJC”). We also  partnered with We Run the World Girls (WRTWG) for Painting Smiles 2.0; celebrated CRJJC’s 2^nd Anniversary which also hosted phase II of its Know Your Rights Initiative for over 200 children in three correctional centres across Lagos.

At TOKAN Foundation, we believe that access to quality education is a basic human right, and no child should be so denied because of their or their parent’s socio-economic status, disability, gender, amongst other factors. Further, education can only be impactful when a child is fully supported in all the ways that they need. Since 2018, we have ensured that hundreds of marginalised children have access to quality education by providing tuition scholarships, daily lunch stipends, school supplies, after-school and national examination preparatory lessons, social support, and legal representation in court through our Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Center (@CR_JJC). We also established the Special Approved School in January 2023 for secondary school-aged girls within the Special Correctional Center for Girls (SCCG) in Idi-Araba, Lagos.

To continue our important work to fullfil our goal of  providing children everywhere with access to quality education and welfare, we provided the following support valued at ₦5,762,200 (Five Million, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand, Two Hundred Naira):

• Tuition scholarships and Textbooks – 43 children
• Daily lunch stipends – 43 children
• School bags, shoes, and other supplies – 102 children
• Monthly Salaries for Secondary School Class Teachers – 4 teachers at Special Correctional Center for Girls (SCCG)
• Legal support – 6 children

We also ran and sponsored other activities for hundreds of children across Lagos:

• Painting Smiles 2.0 collaboration with We Run the World Girls foundation in December 2024 to provide catering and baking training to 50 girls
• Donation of Signposts/banners to the Children’s Correctional Center for Girls, Idi-Araba (CCCG)
• Skills Acquisitions trainings for Children’s Correctional Center for Girls, Idi-Araba
• Payments for school end-of-year parties, because every child has a right to play!

Social and Other Support:

We continued our regular social visits to all the Children’s Correctional Center across Lagos. We also purchased phones for our first University beneficiaries who recently graduated Secondary School. This support is part of our mission to adequately empower our beneficiaries to become self-sufficient and positively-impacting members of their communities.

Legal Support through the Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Center (“CRJJC”)

Court Representation

Between September and December, CRJJC’s network of volunteer lawyers represented 6 children in a total of 14 court appearances for various offences, expending dozens of pro bono hours on behalf of our clients. Filing and other court fees are paid for by TOKAN Foundation for children whose parents are unable to afford same.

Know Your Rights Initiative 

In November 2024, CRJJC hosted Phase II of the Know Your Rights Initiative across three correctional centres for children in Lagos. The first event was held on 16 November 2024 at the Special Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, Oregun (“SCCB”); a combined event was held on 23 November 2024 for the Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba (“SCCG”) and Children’s Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba (“CCCG”). The events were coordinated by a volunteer team of experienced lawyers, law students, and other volunteers. The lawyer-speakers explained Child Rights and Child Justice Administration laws to keep them informed and protected as they continue to pass through the Nigerian justice system.

Back to School – 2^nd Term

 School Supplies for School Children

The 2nd Term of the 2024/2025 Academic Year commenced on 6 January 2025 for millions of students across Nigeria. It was no different for the children we support. Within the first 2 weeks, TOKAN Foundation purchased and delivered school bags, school shoes and sandals, stationary, and other supplies to students in four Children’s Centers across Lagos. Supplies were made based on specific requests from the children and their guardians, who have a greater understanding of their needs.

Tuition Scholarships and Fundraiser for 2^nd Term

The new term has commenced and so has payment for school fees for our beneficiaries. This is where you, our loyal donor, come in. We were able to do so much with your help last year. We would like to help even more children until our goal of ensuring every child has access to education, regardless of their socio-economic status, is realised.

As always we appreciate your support via donations to the TOKAN Foundation’s Zenith Bank Account No. 1015972986. If you prefer to pay online, you can donate through https://paystack.com/pay/tokanfoundation. We also welcome partnerships and collaborations from individuals, businesses, religious organisations, and the government. Anyone who shares our dream of educating young minds is welcome.

TOKAN Foundation for Children and Young People is a registered charity dedicated to providing financial, educational, and social wellness support to vulnerable children and young people across Nigeria, and legal support through the Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Center (“CRJJC”). We believe that every child and young person deserves a future filled with opportunities and growth. Through our various programs, we strive to one day create a world where no child or young person is denied a future of possibilities.

For more information about TOKAN Foundation or to discuss ways you can support our work, please reach out to us at hello@tokanfoundation.com or on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

#TOKANFoundation #crjjc #charity #Nigeria #education #scholarship #equity #donations #NGO #nonprofit #students #BackToSchool

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• Represented dozens of children in Court, ensuring access to justice for those in need and ensuring their voices are heard.
• Secured the release of children from correctional centres, helping them reintegrate into society and giving them a chance to rebuild their lives.
• Hosted the Know Your Rights Initiative events in June/July and November across Lagos correctional centres empowering children with knowledge about their rights and the justice system in fun and interactive ways.

CRJJC works closely with families, social workers, schools, and correctional centres to ensure children receive wholistic support. Whether advocating for their rights in court, helping them meet release conditions, or reuniting them with families or guardians, our goal is to create brighter futures for every child.

We owe our success to the commitment of volunteer lawyers, law students, donors, and supporters. Your dedication, time, and resources have allowed us to create meaningful impact and inspire hope for hundreds of children.

Together, we are building a system where children are protected, empowered, and given a fair chance to thrive.

Support Our Mission

CRJJC is the legal services arm of the TOKAN Foundation, providing pro bono legal support to juveniles in Nigeria. Visit tokanfoundation.com/crjjc to learn more.

How You Can Help: Donate via Zenith Bank Plc: 1015972986 (TOKAN Foundation) or Donate via Paystack: https://paystack.com/pay/tokanfoundation

For legal assistance, email crjjc@tokanfoundation.com or message us on social media: Twitter/IG/FB: @cr_jjc | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/crjjc

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue to create change, one child at a time.

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With the September back-to-school season, we made sure our beneficiaries were well-prepared for the new school year. The 1st Term of the 2024/2025 Academic Year commenced on 9 September 2024 for millions of students across Nigeria. Ahead of resumption, TOKAN Foundation purchased and delivered school bags, shoes, sandals, stationery, and other requested supplies to students in four Children’s Centers across Lagos State. Payments for academic tuition for our beneficiaries are ongoing.

3D Printing Summer Boot Camp for Teens

From the 2nd to the 6th of September 2024, ten of our beneficiaries participated in the 3D Printing Summer Boot Camp for Teens in Yaba. Sponsored by Evon Labs, the camp provided a unique learning experience, while we covered transportation and meal expenses for all attendees.

CRJJC Know Your Rights Phase II

Please mark your calendars—the second phase of the CRJJC Know Your Rights Initiative is scheduled for November. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Fundraiser: 2024/2025 Academic Year

For the 2024/2025 Academic Year, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact, ensuring our beneficiaries have the tools to thrive both in and out of school. Your donations are crucial to our mission, and we invite you to continue partnering with us to bridge the gap and create a future filled with opportunities for every child and young person.

You can support our efforts by donating to Account No. 1015972986 (Zenith Bank Plc) or online at Paystack. We also welcome partnerships from individuals, businesses, religious organisations, and government bodies.

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In ensuring that our beneficiaries continue to have access to quality education and welfare, we provided the following support valued at ₦2,950,454 (Two Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty-Four Naira) in the 3rd Term and Long Vacation of the 2023/2024 Academic Year:

• Tuition scholarships and Textbooks – 8 students

• Daily lunch stipends – 26 students

• School bags, shoes, and other supplies – 40 students

• School lessons – 5 students

• Graduation fees and school party clothes – 16 students

• UTME fees – 2 students

• Medical support – 3 students

• Secondary school class teachers – Monthly Salary, teachers at SCC Girls and SCC Boys

• Legal support – 9 child offenders

Other activities:

• Donation of essential drugs and supplies to the Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba (“SCCG”), and the Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba (“CCG”) in partnership with Drug Aid Africa.

• Donation of TV to Correctional Center for Junior Boys in Birrel, Yaba (“CCJB”).

• Purchase of CRJJC t-shirts and roll up banners for the Know Your Rights Initiative.

• Celebration of graduates at the Correctional Center for Junior Boys in Birrel, Yaba (“CCJB”), and the Correctional Center for Senior Boys in Isheri (“CCSB”).

• Purchase of anniversary t-shirts for 6th Anniversary benefit sale.

Social and Other Support:

We continued our weekly social visits to both CCJB and CCSB. In addition, we purchased a smart television for CCJB with the support of an anonymous donor. For the older boys in CCSB, we worked with the center to ensure that the older children obtained NIN, BVN, and bank accounts. We also secured phones for 4 boys who recently turned eighteen. These phones were donated by our sponsors and is part of our mission to adequately empower our beneficiaries to become self-sufficient and positively-impacting members of their communities. We have also committed to support the older girls at CCG with similar provisions.

6th Anniversary Celebrations and Benefit Sale

To celebrate our 6th Anniversary on 14 June, we commissioned two paintings by Victoria Oniosun, titled Mother, Provider (2024) and Graduation (2024). Proceeds from this auction will go directly into our work, funding the welfare of more children in Nigeria. The auction is managed by June Creative Art Advisory(JCAA). To place a bid, kindly contact Seun Alli at +2348179830800, hq@jcaalagos.com, or jcaalagos@gmail.com.

Our commemorative t-shirts of “Mother, Provider” (2024) and “Graduation” (2024) are also available for sale at ₦20,000 each.

Legal Support through the Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Center (“CRJJC”)

Court Representation

Between April and August, CRJJC’s volunteer lawyers represented 9 children in Court for various offences and secured the release of 2 children (a boy and a girl). We also secured bail for 2 other children ensuring that they returned to their families and were able to resume their education during the trial. In this period, our volunteer lawyers appeared in court 19 times, expending dozens of pro bono hours on behalf of our clients whose parents only have to pay for filing fees. Filing and other court fees are paid for by TOKAN Foundation for children whose parents are unable to afford same.

Know Your Rights Initiative 

In June and July 2024, CRJJC hosted the Know Your Rights Initiative across five correctional centres for children in Lagos. The first event was held on 15 June 2024 at the Special Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, Oregun (“SCCB”); a combined event was held on 22 June 2024 for the Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba (“SCCG”) and Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba (“CCG”); another combined event was held on 13 July 2024 for CCJB and CCSB. The events were coordinated by a team of experienced lawyers, law students, and other volunteers. The lawyer-speakers discussed Child Rights (under the Nigerian Constitution and laws) and Child Justice Administration.

Tope Tokan-Lawal receives the Distinguished Merit Award

Our founder and Chair was, on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, presented with the Distinguished Merit Award by the National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (“NANNS”) for her work at TOKAN Foundation. She was inducted to the NANNS 2024 Hall of Fame as an Icon of Hope in recognition of my immense contribution towards national development, educational upliftment, youth engagement, and relentless service to humanity.

Donation of Essential Drugs and Medical Supplies with Drug Aid Africa

On Saturday, 17 August 2024, we again joined Drug Aid Africa to donate essential drugs and medical supplies, including items like paracetamol, dewormers, antimalarials, antibiotics, and sanitary pads to Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba (“SCCG”) and Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba (“CCG”). This is the second round of donations made in partnership with Drug Aid Africa, the first of which was done in March 2024.

Fundraiser: 2024/2025 Academic Year

For the 2024/2025 Academic Year, we hope to continue our impact and ensure that our beneficiaries can thrive in and out of school. Your donations remain crucial to our work, and we hope you will continue to work with us to bridge the gap and ensure that every child and young person has a future filled with opportunities and growth.

You can support our activities with donations to the foundation’s Account No. 1015972986 (Zenith Bank Plc) or https://paystack.com/pay/tokanfoundation. We also welcome partnerships from individuals, businesses, religious organisations, and the government.

About Us

TOKAN Foundation for Children and Young People is a registered charity dedicated to providing financial, educational, and social wellness support to vulnerable children and young people across Nigeria, and legal support through the Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Center (“CRJJC”). We believe that every child and young person deserves a future filled with opportunities and growth. Through our various programs, we strive to one day create a world where no child or young person is denied a future of possibilities.

For more information about TOKAN Foundation or to discuss other ways you can support our work, please reach out to us at hello@tokanfoundation.com, and engage with us on social media.

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The Initiative was aimed at informing the children about their rights and its sources, helping them recognize when these rights are applicable, and helping them understand how to leverage those rights. One pertinent goal was to ensure that the children understood that they were humans with inalienable rights, just like the adults. We believe that children who know their rights can better speak up against violations and even educate their parents, children, and adults about them. The Initiative also sought to raise awareness about CRJJC’s mission and services and encouraged children to seek assistance when needed.

The event was coordinated by a team of experienced lawyers, law students, and other volunteers. The lawyer-speakers discussed Child Rights (under the Nigerian Constitution and laws) and Child Justice Administration. Individualised breakout sessions were held to mentor and engage with each child on a personal  level. The event also included icebreakers, game sessions, and giveaways. At the end of each event, a child was invited to “Be My Lawyer,” an interactive game where they were provided with a set of facts and asked how they would legally represent another child with the knowledge gained from the event.

The breakout sessions provided lawyers with more insight into issues faced by children in each centre. A recurrent issue at SCCB was the prosecution of only boys for underage sexual conduct with girls, i.e., defilement. A recurrent issue at the SCCG and CCG was child labour (working as house girls) and defilement by adults. Note that under the law, the term “rape” is used when the survivor is an adult and “defilement” when the survivor is a child. In Nigeria, boys are prosecuted under the laws of defilement. In contrast, other jurisdictions recognise that children engage in sexual conduct and have special “Romeo and Juliet” laws to address these through guidance and counselling, instead of prosecution.

The events of June/July marked Phase 1 of the Initiative, which we hope to repeat in subsequent quarters. We appreciate our team of trustees and volunteers who ensured that these events were educational and impactful. In no particular order we appreciate CRJJC’s Trustees – Tope Tokan-Lawal and Akorede Adelupe; our volunteer lawyers, Abayomi Osuntuyi, Lolade Ayeni, Raphael Irenen, Seun Alli (a trustee of TOKAN Foundation), Yosola Diya; and our student volunteers – Oluwatunmise Lasisi (LASU), Oluebube James (UNILAG), Christabel Chika (UNIZIK), Sharon Ogunjiofor (UNILAG), Fathia Adetola (LASU). Special gratitude goes to our patrons, Itselela Omo-Ikirodah and Ogranya Jable Osai.

Support Our Mission

The Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Center (“CRJJC”), registered as the Child Rights and Juvenile Advocacy Center with CAC/IT/No/193337, is the legal services arm of TOKAN Foundation for Children and Young People inspired by the TOKAN Initiative. We provide legal support to children and juveniles in Nigeria. Our wholistic approach to child rights advocacy and juvenile justice helps to ensure that children and juveniles receive needed support in and out of the court room.

How You Can Help

Donations remain crucial to our work and you can support our activities with donations to the foundation’s bank account No. 1015972986 (Zenith Bank Plc) or https://paystack.com/pay/tokanfoundation (for Nigerian and International donations).

For more information about CRJJC or to explore other ways to support our work, please reach out to us at crjjc@tokanfoundation.com and engage with us on social media. We warmly welcome partnerships with individuals, businesses, religious organizations, and government agencies.

Thank you for your continued support!

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TOKAN Foundation also partnered with Dr Oluwaseun Ayotola of DOOA Health Services Limited to provide free medical consultancy services to the children at the correctional centers in Birrel and Isheri. DOOA Health Services is a health care service provider dedicated to delivering prompt and effective health care to clients at home. At the centers, Dr. Ayotola reviewed and evaluated each child’s health status and formulated effective treatment plans. The prescribed medicines were then provided through the collaborative effort of TOKAN Foundation and Drug Aid Africa, thus further ensuring that the children have access to the necessary medications. Dr. Ayotola also engaged with the children on proper hygiene by educating them on the importance of maintaining good health practices. Additionally, he committed to providing monthly routine health checks and on-call services. This holistic approach to healthcare not only addresses the immediate medical needs of the children but also empowers them with knowledge and resources to take charge of their health in the long term.

The partnerships align closely with TOKAN Foundation’s commitment to providing medical and social wellness support to vulnerable children and young people. By collaborating with organizations like Drug Aid Africa and individuals like Dr. Ayotola, the foundation is able to fulfill its mission of empowering children to become self-sufficient and positively impacting members of their communities.

Through these partnerships, we are not only addressing the immediate medical needs of the children but also working towards their long-term well-being and development. By providing essential medical services, including consultancy, treatment, and follow-up care, we are ensuring that the children receive the support they need to thrive physically and emotionally. Furthermore, by focusing on empowerment, the foundation is helping to break the cycle of vulnerability and dependence, equipping the children with the tools and resources they need to build better futures for themselves. This approach reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of health, education, and social support in enabling individuals to reach their full potential.

Overall, TOKAN Foundation’s commitment to partnerships and holistic support underscores our dedication to making a lasting and positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

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Recently, I saw a post go as far as chastise the growing number of girl child foundations. So, I decided to speak about my 8 plus years of working with teenage boys in Lagos. I started out by helping a group of kids at an orphanage with their homework every Saturday. One day, in March 2018, I showed up and found out 3 boys had been taken to “prison.” Upon further investigation, I found out that they had been taken to the Special Correctional Center for Boys in Oregun for actions that could have been properly dealt with in the orphanage, but the principal seemed to be hell bent on sending every boy to the Center.

So, I followed these boys to the Center and this started my journey through the Correctional Centers across Lagos. I started spending each Sunday visiting them in Oregun until they were released to an “open” Center in Yaba. Since then, I have had to work with the officers at these centers (boys in Oregun, Yaba, and Isheri, and girls in Idi Araba) and provide support to dozens of teenage boys (and girls).

No doubt, these institutions are poorly funded and rely heavily on NGOs and individuals for support. TOKAN Foundation supports with school fees, supplies, and mentoring. For the girls in Idi Araba, we also pay senior secondary class teachers (Lagos only pays for primary teachers).

As such, in my experience, there are sooooo many ways to support the boy child and it not by complaining. First and foremost, they need “big brothers” to talk to. These boys are always going through something, and they call me regularly to talk. If you can, find a boy and commit to being his “big bro.” Check in on them, talk to them about anything, let them know they can call when they need to talk or when they have any issues. Other ways:

– Pay private school fees (many are enrolled in public schools),

– Buy supplies for school,

– Provide daily stipends for lunch/snacks,

– Donate clothing and shoes: these boys always need underwear, people donate clothes but forget these. Buy plenty briefs/boxers and share,

– Play sports with them,

– Play video games with them,

– Give your time,

– Teach them about what you do, they may be interested,

– Pay for a vocational training or commit to teaching them a vocational skill,

– Start a boy foundation dedicated to erasing ills that you faced as a boy,

– Leverage on connections to the government and push for better funding and amenities for these child institutions,

Whatever you do, be consistent!

If you have any other ideas, please share.

__________

These insights were first published by Tope on Twitter and LinkedIn in September 2023.

__________

TOKAN Foundation maintains a close relationship with Centers for children across Lagos which house children in conflict with the law and those in need of care, protection, and/or supervision. We provide tuition scholarships, daily lunch stipends, school supplies, after school and national exams preparatory lessons, social support, and legal representation in court through our Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Center (CRJJC). We also established the Special Approved School in January 2023 for secondary school aged girls within the Special Correctional Center for Girls in Idi Araba, Lagos.

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