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ICOC Nigeria Launches Caring Hearts Initiative
The International Church of Christ, Caring Heart Initiative which is designed to cater for the developmental needs of children between 0 – 6 years old through the Early Childhood Development (ECD), was launched on Saturday,15th May 2021.
At the flag off ceremony, the Lead Evangelist, Chris Ogbonnaya in his welcome address, admonished all to build on the foundation of Christ which is Honesty, Truth and Sincerity of Christ even as we render our services. According to Luke 6:46, No good tree bears bad fruits, therefore as a people of God we should build on Christ who is our solid foundation and not on the acclaims of the people.
He also mentioned that the Church decided to have another NGO after HOPE, to help protect the future of our country, leaving a legacy for the next generation.
He concluded by saying that God is giving us, as a Church community a second chance, he is making a comeback and the way we run this organization will be a test of our character as a Church.
Jide Ojo, the Program Director, in his presentation on Early Child Development (ECD) programming, noted that ICOC CHI is posed to be the foremost NGO in the provision of quality service and endearing care for all.
He continued as he explained that, for the first batch of 77 children who were selected from the 11 regions of the church through a survey, 14million has been budgeted to cater for their needs in the domains of Health, Nutrition, Safety/Security, Education/Early Stimulation and Responsive Parenting.
He explained that the program will begin with the children within the church community in Lagos due to availability of funds, adding that children outside Lagos will join the list of beneficiaries as we receive more support from well-meaning individuals, donors and other international NGOs like HOPE South Africa.
According to Jide Ojo, the mission of ICOC CHI is to work for the quality of life for everyone, everywhere. It does not even matter if you are not a Christian, what matters is to meet your needs.
He added that in CHI’s programming, issues relating to family, parenting, children, gender and other related human endeavours will be our focus. We are already receiving tutoring from HOPE Worldwide South Africa, on ECD Program. The mission of Jesus will be an integral part of all ICOC CHI Programming.
He concluded with a quote “If we change the beginning of the story, then we change the whole story” Anonymous.
The President of the ICOC CHI Board, Imagbe Igbinoba in his closing remark, called for more support while explaining that the organization hopes to spread his tentacles to the other regions, states and the public after this first year.
He expressed happiness over the multiplier effect the initiative have on the church community and the public in the long run, as he called for people to donate generously on Sunday 16thMay 2021, for the special benevolence collection.
Colette Yough, the Vice-President of CHI’s Board of Directors, gave the vote of thanks as she enjoined all to take the message of Caring Hearts Initiative as far as they go.