Covenant varsity students donate items to Lagos Correctional Centre
The Heart in Action Initiative, a group of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Economics, Covenant University, Ogun State, has donated foodstuffs and toiletries to female students of the Lagos
- By Sherifdeen Amusa
The Heart in Action Initiative, a group of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Economics, Covenant University, Ogun State, has donated foodstuffs and toiletries to female students of the Lagos State Children Correctional Centre for Girls, Ìdí-Árábà, Mushin, Lagos.
The programme featured menstrual hygiene awareness where the girls were educated on hygiene menstrual health practices, emotional well-being during their menstrual cycle, myths and stigma surrounding menstruation.
The team introduced the girls to various menstrual products, including menstrual cups and sanitary pads, noting that sanitary pads remain the most commonly used product.
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They also recommended healthy balanced diets to help support their bodies during menstruation, adding that staying hydrated and tracking menstrual cycles are important to avoid unexpected situations.
The team leader, Ona Miracle Chidera, said the outreach was driven by their passion to support vulnerable girls and give back to the society.
Chidera explained that despite not having much herself and growing up without her mother, she felt compelled to assist others who have even less.
Chidera said the initiative began late last year when she shared the idea with a few colleagues who agreed to support the project, adding that they mobilised assistance by encouraging classmates to donate fairly used clothes and other items, while also raising funds through crowd funding.
Reflecting on the visit, she described the experience as emotional, especially after listening to the stories of some of the girls, including accounts of abandonment and abuse.
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However, she expressed hope, noting that many of the children appeared bright and determined despite their difficult experiences.
She urged non-governmental organisations (NGO) and members of the public to support the rehabilitation of girls in correctional facilities by providing better facilities and opportunities.
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Chidera added that dreams expressed by some of the girls, such as becoming pilots, could be achieved if people collectively support them.
She also encouraged young people and students to contribute to charitable causes, stressing that one does not need to be wealthy to make a difference.
“Small contributions gathered from many people can go a long way in supporting those in need,” she said.
Chidera said the outreach marked the first activity of the initiative but assured that more programmes would be organised in the future to continue supporting vulnerable girls in correctional centres.
One of the girls, Seun, appreciated and prayed for the team for the outreach and kind donation.
