PROJECT NOSTREEC, PHASE 1.

14th NOVEMBER,2024.

Target:  100 street children across three high-density locations in Nnewi:

Location:  

• DCC/Market Motor Park Roundabout

• NITEL Junction

• Ibeto Junction

Budget and Fundraising: Community Contributions: Volunteers donated services, equipment for health education and counseling, clothes, shoes, books, and toys, thus reducing financial requirements.

Key Activities and Interventions

1. Outreach & Immediate Support

The team engaged children and their families, providing:

✅ Hot meals and drinking water

✅ Clothes, shoes, books, and toys

✅ Basic health talks

✅ Counseling and motivational talks.

2. Focus Group Discussions and Needs Assessment

We conducted focused interviews with:

Children: To understand their backgrounds, aspirations, and barriers to education.

Parents: To explore their challenges and willingness to enroll their children in school.

Teenage Street Boys: To identify gang influence and risks of crime and violence.

3. Government Policy Monitoring & Advocacy

The team documented cases of school fees in "free" public schools and will engage relevant authorities.

Parents were educated on government programs and encouraged to seek vocational skills for alternative income.

🔹 Key Findings:

• Many children dream of becoming professionals (lawyers, doctors, bankers) but lack opportunities.

• Parents cited poverty, ignorance, and lack of jobs as reasons for keeping children on the streets.

• Some mothers reported paying almost ₦5,000 per child in public schools, contradicting the government’s free education policy.

Challenges Identified

🔸 High Number of Street Children: More than anticipated, requiring urgent intervention.

🔸 Multi factorial Causes: Poverty, parental neglect, lack of enforcement of child protection laws.

🔸 Health and Safety Risks: Hunger, abuse, road accidents, and criminal exposure.

🔸 Lack of Awareness: Many families are unaware of government support programs.

🔸 Gang Formation: Adolescent boys forming street gangs, increasing security risks.

Project NoStreeC Phase 2: The Way Forward

Based on lessons learned, Phase 2 will focus on long-term solutions:

1. Immediate Actions (By February 2025)

✅ Enroll at least 3 children in public schools and gradually scale up.

✅ Use balance funds to track progress and provide essential school supplies.

✅ Ensure enforcement of free education policies in Anambra State.

2. Expanding Partnerships & Government Engagement

🚀 Collaborate with Government Ministries and stakeholders:

President General of Nnewi for grass root sensitization and community ownership

Ministry of Education – Ensure compliance with free education policies.

Ministry of Health – Provide free medical services for street children.

Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Welfare – Strengthen child protection policies.

🚀 Engage Private Sector & NGOs for sponsorships and funding.

3. Sustainable Economic Empowerment for Families

✅ Livelihood training for parents to prevent children from returning to the streets.

✅ Vocational and life skills training for older children.

4. Community Ownership & Awareness

✅ Mobilize community leaders to support the reintegration of street children.

✅ Expand awareness campaigns on the dangers of child street life.

Key Recommendations for Stakeholders

📌 Government should:

Strictly enforce the free education policy to remove financial barriers.

Expand social support programs for vulnerable families.

Develop clear rehabilitation programs for street children.

📌 Private Sector and NGOs should:

Invest in child welfare programs through CSR initiatives.

Fund scholarship and vocational training programs for at-risk children.

📌 Community Leaders and Parents should:

Encourage education and skills acquisition over child labor or street begging.

Support local advocacy initiatives to keep children off the streets.

Conclusion and Call to Action for Government & Stakeholders

Phase 1 of Project NoStreeC provided immediate relief and hope to 100 street children in Nnewi. However, real transformation requires sustained action, strong policies, and community support.

With the balance realized, Phase 2 will focus on education enrollment, policy enforcement, and economic empowerment to ensure lasting change.

We invite government agencies, private donors, and concerned citizens to join us in building a future where no child is left behind. Investing in these children today prevents crime, reduces poverty, and builds a stronger, more prosperous society for all.

Acknowledgment & Appreciation

🎖 Uburuobiaka Foundation – for providing the platform.

🎖 Generous donors and sponsors – for funding the project.

🎖 Dedicated volunteers – for their time and service.

🎖All stakeholders for their support.

Together, we can transform lives, build safer communities, and secure the future of our children. 

Dr Chioma N.P Mbachu

Chairman, Uburuobiaka Foundation