In the heart of Lagos, within the walls of a juvenile correctional facility at Idi-Araba, a profound act of compassion unfolded this Christmas season. The Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation (TAF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), moved its annual celebration to share joy, dignity, and tangible hope with a group of young girls often forgotten by society. This initiative, “Christmas with Less Privileged Children 3.0,” represents far more than seasonal charity; it is a strategic intervention aimed at healing and empowerment for those navigating some of life’s most difficult circumstances.
Founder Mrs. Abimbola Agbebiyi articulated the deeper mission: “Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and giving. Our annual celebrations are not just about gifts, but about creating moments of hope and connection. This year, bringing our Christmas celebration to these young girls is our way of reminding them that they are seen, valued, and capable of rising above their circumstances.”
Beyond Material Gifts: A Holistic Approach to Restoration
The event was meticulously designed to address the whole person—emotional, spiritual, and psychological. While the distribution of personalized gift packs, Bibles, journals, hygiene kits, and motivational storybooks provided immediate comfort, the core value lay in the experiential programming.
The dance and drama presentation on the theme “Your Future is Bright” served as a powerful therapeutic tool. For girls in correctional settings, who may grapple with shame, low self-esteem, and fractured identities, such performances offer a rare opportunity for creative expression and the internalization of a positive narrative. Words of affirmation and reflective sessions facilitated a crucial reconnection with personal dreams and aspirations, countering the stigma and hopelessness that can pervade institutional life.
“Our work goes beyond material support. We believe in nurturing the mind, spirit, and confidence of every child we reach,” Agbebiyi emphasized. This philosophy is evident in TAF’s evolving focus. Since 2023, the foundation has impacted over 200 vulnerable children. In 2024, they served over 100 children with special needs, providing assistive devices. By intentionally choosing a juvenile home for 2025, TAF demonstrates an understanding of a critical gap: the need for targeted, dignity-affirming interventions for girls in the justice system.
The Ripple Effect of Intentional Care
The impact of such an outreach extends beyond the beneficiaries. By presenting raw food items to the facility’s staff, TAF acknowledged and supported the caregivers, a gesture that can boost morale and reinforce a culture of care within the institution. The partnership with the Prisons Ministry of Global Harvest Church added a dimension of spiritual support, offering prayers and a sense of communal belonging.
Mrs. Ojukotola Sumbo, Head of the Centre, confirmed the transformative potential of the day. She noted that the gifts and, more importantly, the message of the drama would significantly impact the girls’ transformation. This highlights a key insight: sustainable change for vulnerable youth is often sparked by experiences that make them feel valued and instill a belief in a positive future, not by provisions alone.
A Model for Purpose-Driven Outreach
TAF’s work, focused on vulnerable women, children, and communities through education, health, empowerment, and social inclusion, offers a model for effective humanitarian action. This Christmas outreach underscores several best practices:
- Specificity: Targeting a distinct, underserved group (girls in juvenile correction).
- Holistic Design: Combining material aid with psychological and emotional support.
- Dignity Preservation: Using personalized gifts and empowering interactions to affirm self-worth.
- Ecosystem Support: Recognizing and supporting the staff who provide daily care.
In a season synonymous with giving, the Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation’s initiative stands out as a masterclass in restoring hope. It moves from merely bringing Christmas joy to the home, to actively planting seeds of resilience, self-belief, and brighter futures within the girls themselves. It is a poignant reminder that the greatest gift one can offer is the unwavering belief in another’s potential for redemption and growth.
Reported by Adeyemi Adeleye for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Sandra Umeh.
