By Karen Higgs for APCNews KAFANCHAN, Nigeria,
Published onPage last updated on
In 2006 Fantsuam Foundation launched a vulnerable children’s service as
part of its rural HIV/AIDS programme. This innovative project addresses
the growing problem of orphans and vulnerable children in the rural
communities where Fantsuam works. ICT is a central part and has proved
an effective way of getting access to vulnerable children who are coping
with poverty and hunger as well as life-threatening diseases.
The Children’s Computer Club takes place in rural Kafanchan every
Saturday morning from 10 am. “The children’s excitement is such that
they begin to arrive at our centre from 8.00am,” said John Dada,
Fantsuam coordinator. “They have games, story-telling sessions, drama
and introduction to basic computer skills.”
But it’s not all fun and games. The computer club is a forum for frank
discussion amongst the children themselves and with support staff
regarding their welfare. “At one of these sessions that we first
detected a thirteen year old who was looking after his invalid
grandmother.”
“The drama group is gearing up for the Children’s Day celebration,” says
John. “The Fantsuam ICT Youth volunteers will be on hand to film the
event. This documentary will be key in the video skills training in
which the kids will be equipped with camera and video skills to document
their everyday experiences.”
Photo: Children’s Computer Club.
Photo taken by Fantsuam Foundation
