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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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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In this vein, we provided the following support valued at over ₦3,045,110 (Three Million, Forty-Five Thousand, One Hundred and Ten Naira) in the 2nd Term of the 2023/2024 Academic Year:

• Tuition scholarships, PTA, and Textbooks – 18 students
• Daily lunch stipends – 24 students
• School bags, shoes, and other supplies – 54 students
• JSS3 Junior WAEC preparatory lessons – 2 students
• Medical support (by Drug Aid Africa, DOOA) – 100+ children
• Legal support (CRJJC) – 6 children
• Secondary school class teachers – Monthly Salary, teachers at SCC Girls and SCC Boys

During the 2nd Term, TOKAN Foundation maintained its close relationship with four Correctional Centers for children in Lagos, i.e., Special Correctional Center for Girls, Idi Araba (SCC Girls), the Special Correctional Center for Boys, Oregun (SCC Boys), Birrel Center, and Isheri Center. Students in Birrel and Isheri Centers received educational scholarships, supplies, stipends, and social support (weekly visits). We provided pro bono legal services to 6 children in SCC Girls and SCC Boys through the Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Center (CRJJC). During this period, we secured the release of one girl and the 5 other cases are ongoing. We also continued the secondary school facility in both centers and paid salaries for 7 teachers who taught a range of subjects including Mathematics, English, Literature, Economics, Government, and Business Studies.

On 8 March, we partnered with Offeriing to donate hair and beauty supplies to SCC Girls for International Women’s Day. On the 9th and 23rd of March 2024, we also partnered with Drug Aid Africa to donate essential drugs and medical supplies to the four Correctional Centers. The donation of essential drugs and medical supplies included items like paracetamol, dewormers, antimalarials, antibiotics, mosquito nets, and sanitary pads. Intended as a continuing collaboration, follow-up donations will be made throughout the year. TOKAN Foundation also partnered with Dr Oluwaseun Ayotola of DOOA Health Services Limited to provide free medical consultancy services to the children at SCC Boys and Isheri Center.

Your donations steer the magnitude of our activities, and thanks to you, we escalated our impact in the 2nd Term by providing additional support compared to the previous term.

Fundraiser: 3rd Term (April – July 2024)

For the 3rd Term, which commenced on 22 April 2024, 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.

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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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On the 27 January 2024, I was opportune to join her on her weekly visit to some of the centers for children she plays the role of a mother at. With no exaggeration believe me that I have never witnessed such level of humanity since my existence.

The first shock I had was how free and comfortable these kids were around her, which led me to asking and learning she has known some of them for over 8 years and has bonded with them so much. One of another shocking experience was seeing that the kids know the passwords to her devices, could explore the outside world through these devices with no fear of being questioned.

Throughout this period of knowing these kids, she has through the help of TOKAN Foundation given them access to good education, beautiful childhood to remember and many more amazing things. Beyond this, I learned that through the Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Center (CRJJC) any kid with court needs gets represented in court, at no charge. This, according to Tope, is to ensure that these children who have been disadvantaged receive opportunities to enable them grow into self-sufficient and positively-impacting members of their communities.

My curiosity led me into being inspired to be a better human, the life of Tope is more than inspiring to me. It is the paragon of love and humanity.

Thank you so much Tope for the opportunity.

__________

Levi Oluka, professionally known as Levithegrapher, is a Nigeria based travel documentary photographer. He explores photography as a medium of documenting the everyday lives and social issues of places he finds himself. His motto is DOCUMENTING TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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I had just completed my final exams and project in July 2023 when my life took a great turn. One afternoon, a broadcast message from a dear UNILAG coursemate caught my attention. It was a call by TOKAN Foundation for a volunteer to visit with young boys at the Special Correctional Center in Birrel, Lagos on Sundays for three months. The request resonated with me, and without hesitation, I reached out to the foundation’s Chair and the rest they say, is history.

My blissful journey with the “Birrel” boys thus commenced on July 30th. Each Sunday, I engaged with the boys by providing my laptop, which we used to watch movies and other videos. Beyond entertainment, I had sessions with them that focused on social interaction, relationship-building, and essential life skills. Some of the topics were on respect, conflict resolution, love, communication, and assertiveness. I also made sure these sessions were interactive and every boy could speak or ask questions openly and freely. I also took note of their educational and personal needs, which I reported back to the Chair for action by the foundation. This information was also crucial to enable the foundation provide tailored support for each boy.

I knew I wanted to do this but I wasn’t sure of what to expect and it made me nervous. On meeting with the boys, my initial nervousness faded. Their courtesy, warmth, and welcoming nature was heartwarming, and they quickly transformed my weekly visits into the highlight of my Sundays. Engaging with them, sharing conversations, and facilitating movie choices became moments of genuine connection.

I also interacted with the Center’s social workers and other staff. The Center’s Principal, especially, treated the boys like his own and it was a testament of his commitment to their well-being and growth. As with any endeavour, there are always areas for improvement. I made suggestions on a review of better ways of correcting and speaking to the boys which is a crucial part of their upbringing.

TOKAN Foundation played a pivotal role in the success of my volunteer experience. The Chair’s support was invaluable as she provided essential information, maintained consistent communication, and offered succinct feedback that enhanced my effectiveness as a volunteer. What was initially meant to be a three-month commitment extended until December 17th, 2023.

My gratitude extends to Ms. Tope Tokan-Lawal and the Foundation for their unwavering dedication to providing a safe space and inclusion for boys and girls who have faced abandonment, ridicule, pain, and societal seclusion. Through their effort, they have shaped, and are shaping well-rounded children, instilling hope for futures brimming with possibilities, not limited by circumstances.

I look forward to continuing as a volunteer and doing great work with the Foundation.

***

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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