In Nigeria, far into the bush outside Ibadan, lies Oloba, a rural community where families survive by harvesting palm oil, cassava and pepper. Life is tough here. There are no nearby clinics or schools, and often not enough food.
Oloba, Nigeria
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In 2023, the Hands at Work Service Centre team in Ibadan began visiting Oloba, walking alongside families to listen, pray and understand the depth of need. For many, daily life was a struggle simply to survive. Yet in the midst of hardship, hope and strength were found – in the welcome of a local chief, a church leader, and members of the local church who were ready to serve as Care Workers.
By the end of that year, a Community Based Organisation (CBO) was established, initially caring for 25 of the most vulnerable children. Today, seven dedicated Care Workers, led by Janet and Kehinde, are supporting 50 children with the Three Essential Services of food, access to education and basic health care.
Although Oloba’s children still walk to school in the nearby community of Onilemo, they now have Care Workers in their own community who visit their homes, encourage their families, and ensure they are cared for.
As part of the Hands at Work model to involve the global church, we’re seeking UK partners to build a long-term relationship with Oloba. Could that be you? The primary goal of a partnership is to build a relationship between a church or other group of people outside Africa and the vulnerable families and children being served on the ground. Whether you’re part of a church, school, community group or family and friends, find out more about what partnership could look like.
The Ibadan Service Centre supports three Community Based Organisations including Oloba. They provide support, training, networking and encouragement to the CBOs. They also provide administrative support, including helping with funding proposals, monitoring and evaluation, bookkeeping and reporting.