Tabitha Home @ 10: Our Success Stories Reflect the Personal Development and Transformation of Our Beneficiaries – Febisola Okonkwo, Founder

Tabitha Home, the Ibadan, Oyo State-based formal care and transitional home for orphans and vulnerable children, recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary. Reflecting on the journey so far, Mrs. Febisola Oladimeji Okonkwo, the Founder, talks about the vision, the milestones, and the plans for continuous development. Saying “one of my greatest strengths is investing time and resources in those in dire need”, Mrs. Okonkwo told The Podium Magazine’s Publisher, Ademola Akinbola, that she is happy that her vision for the Home is being fulfilled. “It has been fulfilling. I have seen lives blossom, watched the children grow, and witnessed their transformation from the initial traumatic situations into something positive and commendable”, she added. Read the full interview below.

“Success stories unfold when our beneficiaries respond to support, when lives are transformed, careers are built, and skills acquired. Our success stories reflect the positive transformation of our beneficiaries in academics, health, physical well-being, social skills, and other areas of personal growth. Over the years, Tabitha Home has reached numerous milestones. Notable achievements include beneficiaries securing leadership roles, winning awards, and excelling in innovation challenges at their respective schools, in church, and in various competitions” (Mrs. Febisola Oladimeji Okonkwo)

How did it all start? What motivated you into this project, I mean the vision behind it.

Before the establishment of Tabitha Home, Help Initiative was already making a difference by focusing on supporting women, children, and vulnerable young people. Help Initiative’s vision is to secure a brighter future for vulnerable women and children through various programmes, including nutritional support for orphanages, educational support, women’s empowerment programmes, clothing drives, kids’ clubs, Tabitha Home. Tabitha Home emerged from this vision, specifically catering to children in need of emotional, academic, and moral support. As a residential haven, Tabitha Home fosters the development, empowerment, and social integration of vulnerable children, promoting self-reliance and contributing to national development.

In August 2014, eight years after Help Initiative’s registration, Tabitha Home officially opened its doors to accommodate vulnerable children. Within the first month, five children were referred and registered by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Oyo State. Notably, two girls from a northern state, brought by missionaries advocating for girl-child education, found a new home at Tabitha Home. The establishment of Tabitha Home marked a significant milestone in Help Initiative’s journey, with a renewed focus on children’s welfare, education, and empowerment. We aim to create a brighter future for those who need it most.

That is interesting. Is it something you have always wanted to do? Or you just found yourself in a situation that necessitated the setting up of the Home?

As I shared in my book, Roses of My Passion, my journey into charity and humanitarian work began as an obligation to my faith, it then evolved into a source of happiness and joy, ultimately becoming a fulfilling career. It has always been my passion. In 2007, I volunteered at a Special Needs Rehabilitation Center in Oyo State, where I met a teenager with speech and hearing impairments. He had been excluded from rehabilitation due to his unique needs. Unlike others who were physically or mentally impaired and could communicate, he could not.

With the support of family and friends, I was able to secure his admission to a Christian college in Ibadan, specialized for individuals with his condition—an achievement that seemed impossible due to his parents’ financial struggles. Within months, his talents flourished. He learned to communicate effectively using sign language and became exceptional in his own right. Today, he is a graduate of the Federal College of Education (Special) and teaches at the same secondary school he once attended. This experience showed me that lives can be transformed through effort and determination. It also boosted my confidence and reaffirmed my commitment to this mission. My broader experience with Tabitha Home and once vulnerable children has consistently proven to me that no child is beyond repair when treated with love and dignity.

Where did you draw your inspiration from? Who or what inspired you?

I draw my inspiration from transformation. As the situations and circumstances of the children improve, I become increasingly inspired and encouraged to do more. One of my greatest strengths—and weaknesses—is investing time and resources in others, especially those in dire need. Initially, I did this quietly, but as the needs grew, I realized that my vision could achieve even more.

What were the challenges you faced at the beginning? Have the challenges eased now?

Yes, we faced numerous challenges. These included a lack of knowledge about certain health issues, leading to misunderstandings between us and our intended beneficiaries; cultural barriers; bias against NGOs due to past abuses by unscrupulous organizations; a surge in people needing aid; and funding constraints. Additionally, we encountered entrenched belief systems and negative attitudes surrounding issues like disability, poverty, girls’ education, female genital mutilation, and ignorance. Despite these challenges, some of which persist, we have made notable progress. With God’s guidance, we are confident in our continued growth. Over the past decade, our consistency, passion, and commitment to our vision have fueled our mission. This unwavering dedication has fostered resilience and a deeper sense of purpose. Notably, our recipients, beneficiaries, and even sponsors now trust us more.

How would you describe the experience in the last 10 years?

It has been fulfilling. I have seen lives blossom, watched the children grow, and witnessed their transformation from the initial traumatic situations into something positive and commendable.

Which companies or organisations have supported your vision?

We have received invaluable support from a diverse range of stakeholders, including individuals, corporate partners, churches, family, friends, fellow nonprofit organizations, and the community. To avoid inadvertently omitting anyone, I prefer not to mention specific names. Internally, we acknowledge our supporters through a monthly recognition board, proudly displaying the names of contributing organizations. Additionally, we express our heartfelt gratitude by sending personalized appreciation notes to each organization each month. These collective efforts have been instrumental in enabling us to make a tangible, lasting impact.

How many children do you have in the Home?

Tabitha Home currently provides residential care to 56 children. Additionally, we support non-residential children in the community through our outreach programs. We prioritize admitting children who lack available adult caregivers. Our community outreach benefits over 500 individuals, providing essential services such as education, skill acquisition, capacity building through programs like Kids’ Club, and other empowerment initiatives.

Altogether, how many people have passed through Tabitha Home?

93 children

Tell us about a typical day in the Home

At Tabitha Home, weekdays begin early, with the children waking up at 5:30 am. After waking, they gather for devotion, signaled by the ringing of a bell. The children then take on their assigned roles for morning chores, while others freshen up for the day ahead. Breakfast is served, and snacks are packed for school. By 7:30 am, the children are ready to leave for school, transported by the school bus. Since Tabitha Home children attend about four different schools, the bus makes two trips to ensure everyone arrives on time. After a busy day at school, the children return home around 3:30 pm. Upon their return, they freshen up and do their laundry, with the bell ringing again to signal lunchtime.

The evening routine starts at 5:00 pm with devotion, followed by dinner and a one-hour study period. The children go to bed at 9:00 pm, marking the end of their day. In addition to the daily routine, Thursdays and Fridays feature special activities. On Thursday evenings, the children participate in Kids’ Club, a session that includes pep talks, games, screen time, or storytelling, aimed at providing relaxation and educational value. Fridays are dedicated to “key working sessions,” where children are grouped under staff members to learn essential life and social skills. The in-house pastor also joins the children for a weekly house fellowship, offering prayers, spiritual guidance, and encouragement.

Weekends at Tabitha Home are more relaxed. Saturday mornings include devotion, cleaning, and breakfast, followed by lessons with teachers for students needing extra support, hair grooming, siesta, and screen time. Sundays begin with church service, provided by the church. After returning, the children enjoy lunch and engage in various activities, including preparing for the upcoming school week. This structured routine ensures that the children at Tabitha Home maintain a healthy balance between academics, personal growth, and leisure activities.

What are the activities and programs the residents are exposed to?

In the home, every activity the residents are exposed to is referred to as in-house projects. The projects are: Tabitha Home Enterprise, Key Working, Kids Club, Spiritual Formation, Girl’s Tech, Music and Dance, Get Ready for the University Program, Social Night, Movie Night

Are there exceptional success stories of the Home you want to share with us?

Success stories unfold when our beneficiaries respond to support, when lives are transformed, careers are built, and skills acquired. Our success stories reflect the positive transformation of our beneficiaries in academics, health, physical well-being, social skills, and other areas of personal growth. Over the years, Tabitha Home has reached numerous milestones. Notable achievements include beneficiaries securing leadership roles, winning awards, and excelling in innovation challenges at their respective schools, in church, and various competitions.

Also, the children have continued to show amazing results in spiritual growth and formation. In Church they are represented in every department; choir, technical, ushers, etc. Again, in all the schools they attend, our children are the lead prefects, Head Boy, Head Girl, Library Prefects, etc. They are already displaying exemplary leadership qualities at an early age. We are grateful that all the labors and sacrifices of our stakeholders are not in vain.

In 10 years of our existence, God has marvellously helped us. We currently have 15 children in the University. By next year, the number will rise to 25 because we have 10 of them in exam classes now. The children are growing and we need programmes to support them.

These successes showcase our children’s talents and potential. We are proud to see them advance to tertiary institutions, graduate, and become self-sufficient individuals. Preteens and teenagers now mentor and guide younger ones on the right path. Beyond our residential beneficiaries, our non-residential participants have gained independence and integrated seamlessly into society with our support. The impact is evident, and our mission is being fulfilled. What greater success story could we ask for?

What are your plans for improvement and expansion?

As Tabitha Home celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2024, we reflect on our journey and look forward to the profound impact we will continue to make in the lives of our beneficiaries and the surrounding community. Our vision for the future is grounded in expansion, sustainability, and empowerment.

Firstly, we aim to increase our capacity to consistently care for and accommodate at least 100 residential beneficiaries by acquiring a larger facility. This expansion will allow us to provide a supportive environment for more vulnerable children, fostering their growth and development. To ensure sustainable growth, we have established structured Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In line with these goals, we will implement a homegrown food initiative, engaging our children in cultivating their own food. This program will provide nutritional benefits and instill valuable life skills.

Additionally, Tabitha Maison Enterprise, our business arm, will equip children with essential business skills such as tailoring, painting, hairdressing, soap-making, shampoo production, and scented candle-making. These skills, alongside academic qualifications, will foster independence upon reintegration into society, empowering our children to become self-sufficient individuals.

As our children progress to tertiary institutions, we recognize the growing need for support. To address this, we will launch diversified fundraising activities to support their education and the home’s operations, ensuring long-term sustainability. Other key areas of focus include establishing a strong system for integrating children into society, supporting and expanding programs for non-residential beneficiaries, and creating more opportunities to support children in need.

Do you have any regrets or unfulfilled dreams concerning Tabitha Home?

I’m filled with gratitude for our journey so far. The smiles of the children are all the proof I need – my life’s purpose is being lived

Have you enjoyed support from the Oyo State Government?

Specifically, we have benefited from palliative support, registration assistance, and health insurance. Notably, this year, our children were enrolled in the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme (OYSHIA), enabling us to access subsidized healthcare services for their medical needs. This gesture has significantly alleviated the financial burden associated with healthcare costs.

What general advice would you offer for the improvement of the lot of the less privileged in our society?

Reflecting on my experiences, I firmly believe that collaborative efforts between NGOs, governments, and private organizations hold immense potential for meaningful change. By joining forces, we can amplify our reach and support a greater number of vulnerable individuals in our society. Regular monitoring and evaluation is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of these efforts. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework ensures that resources are utilized efficiently, maximizing impact.

Moreover, community-focused initiatives are vital. Starting with community-level engagement establishes the foundation for sustainable change. As these impacts grow, community members can become volunteers, further amplifying the effect and creating a ripple of positive influence that spreads throughout society.