By Azeez Disu
In Nigeria, a country rich in culture and potential but often challenged by poverty, trauma, and inadequate infrastructure, the Dolly Children Foundation (DCF) stands as a beacon of hope. Since its inception in 2009, this community-rooted NGO has directly impacted over 23,000 children, providing not only access to quality education but also holistic support to help them thrive amid adversity.
A Personal Drive to Change Lives
Adedolapo Osuntuyi, Founder and Executive Director of Dolly Children Foundation, reflects passionately on her motivation: “The foundation is inspired by my own experiences and my father’s struggles to access education. I saw firsthand how lack of support, trauma, and societal barriers hinder children’s growth. My goal is to ensure that no child is left behind because of circumstances beyond their control.”
Her words encapsulate a vision that extends beyond mere schooling—aiming to nurture confident, resilient, and empowered individuals.
The Nigerian Context and Community-Centered Approach
Nigeria’s welfare system often sees children passed among extended relatives or community members, a practice that doesn’t always guarantee their well-being or access to education. Many children drop out early to learn trades or face issues like domestic violence, sexual abuse, and neglect.
In this environment, Dolly Children Foundation operates with a deep understanding of local realities, working within over 40 communities across Ogun, Abuja, Oyo, Enugu, Taraba, and Lagos States. The foundation’s programs are tailored to contextual needs, ensuring relevance and sustainability.
Holistic Programs Rooted in Community and Education
DCF’s multifaceted interventions include:
– Reading Clubs: Weekly sessions in public primary schools have benefitted over 15,460 children, improving literacy and fostering a love for learning.
– After-School and Summer Tutoring: More than 13,650 children, especially child laborers, have benefitted from tailored support that reinforces classroom learning and prevents dropout. These programs run during school terms and summer breaks,offering a safe, nurturing environment.
– Back-to-School Support: Provision of school kits—uniforms, bags, shoes—removes major barriers to attendance, encouraging enrollment and reducing absenteeism.
– School Refurbishment Projects: In partnership with local authorities and donors, the foundation has constructed fences, toilets, and supplied desks and chairs to create conducive learning environments. For example, a 70-meter fence at one school has significantly improved safety.
– Health and Wellbeing Checks: Collaborations with health NGOs enable children to know their blood group, genotype, and receive basic health education—crucial for their overall development.
– Excursion Trips and Community Engagement: Over 2,500 children have participated in trips to places they’ve never seen before, reducing anxiety and broadening horizons. These outings are also used to foster community pride and unity.
– Arts, Music, and Therapeutic Activities: Recognizing the importance of emotional health, children learn sewing, sketching, painting, and music—therapeutic outlets that help them cope with trauma and express themselves creatively.
– Mentoring and Home Visits: Staff and volunteers conduct regular home visits, understanding children’s living conditions and providing personalized support and counseling.
The Dolly Star School: A Model of Excellence
To address gaps in the public school system, Dolly Children Foundation established the Dolly Star School, a free, holistic learning environment from Kindergarten to Basic 5, currently enrolling 72 children. Started after facing challenges like lack of toilets and desks in initial community schools, the school now offers a safe, structured space for children to learn and grow. It operates as a community hub, functioning as a weekend mentoring center and a venue for extracurricular activities.
Funding and Sustainability
The foundation relies heavily on individual donors, families, and corporate partners. Sponsors cover tuition, uniforms, and learning materials, enabling the foundation to pay teachers and maintain facilities. Notably, some private schools have approached Dolly Children Foundation for scholarship partnerships, recognizing its credibility and impact.
Impact and Recognition
– Over 23,000 children impacted since 2009
– 2,500+ teachers trained in modern pedagogical methods
– 40+ communities supported across Nigeria
– 28,570 children reached through various programs
– Over 10,200 at-risk children sponsored through tuition and welfare aid
Aligning with Global Goals (SDGs)
The foundation’s work directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals:
– SDG 1 – No Poverty: By providing free education, school supplies, and welfare support.
– SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Incorporating health checks and trauma counseling.
– SDG 4 – Quality Education: Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all children.
– SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Promoting girls’ participation in education and empowerment activities.
– SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Equipping children with skills for future employment and entrepreneurship.
– SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Building community trust and advocacy for children’s rights.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite successes, challenges persist. Cultural beliefs sometimes hinder formal schooling, and complex family situations require counseling and intervention. There is also a need to expand infrastructure, funding, and community awareness.
However, the foundation remains committed, leveraging partnerships, innovative programs, and personal dedication to create sustainable change.
A Personal Touch: The Heart of Dolly Children Foundation
Adedolapo Osuntuyi emphasizes that the foundation’s strength lies in its personal touch: “Every child deserves love, safety, and opportunity. Our work is driven by compassion, community involvement, and a belief that education is a right, not a privilege.”
She shares heartfelt stories—children who have overcome trauma, excelled academically, and now serve as role models. One child, supported through scholarships, spoke at a UN event, inspiring many. Others have returned as mentors, ensuring a cycle of hope and empowerment.
Conclusion
Dolly Children Foundation exemplifies what dedicated, community-centered organizations can achieve in Nigeria. By integrating education, health, psychosocial support, and community development, it transforms lives—one child at a time. As Nigeria strives toward SDG targets, the foundation’s work reminds us that investing in children is investing in Nigeria’s future.
