As part of our preparations for the Makoko Community Christmas Outreach, the OBACARE Foundation team embarked on a pre-outreach visit to Makoko on December 13, 2024.
This visit was essential in engaging with key community stakeholders, understanding the community’s needs, and finalizing logistics for the upcoming Christmas program scheduled for December 21, 2024.
A Warm Welcome and A Journey of Discovery
Upon arrival, we were warmly received by our dedicated contact, Mr. Wheduton Urban January, who has been instrumental in uplifting the Makoko community. He led us through the area, guiding us to the local boat terminal, where we boarded a wooden boat to visit the school he founded in 2019. This school, built from bamboo and standing on a sand-filled section of the murky waters, serves as a beacon of hope for the children of Makoko, providing them with access to education in a community that had long lacked such opportunities.
As we stepped into the school, we were greeted with radiant smiles and enthusiastic cheers from the children, their excitement filling the air. It was a touching moment that reaffirmed the importance of our mission. We proceeded to the Principal’s office, where we had a meaningful discussion with Mr. Wheduton about the impact of education in the community, as well as the expectations for our upcoming outreach.
Engaging The Community Leadership
Following our visit to the school, we set out to meet with the Baale (Community Leader), an essential step in securing local support for our outreach. The Baale welcomed us with great warmth, and after formal introductions, we presented him with a token of goodwill as a sign of respect and partnership. We shared our plans for the Christmas Outreach, explaining that we aimed to provide food relief for 100 families, ensuring they could celebrate the holiday season with dignity and joy.
During the meeting, the Baale invited the Youth Leader to join the discussion. Upon his arrival, the Baale presented him with the gift we had brought, emphasizing the unity and collaboration that define the Makoko community. Both the Baale and the Youth Leader offered heartfelt prayers for the success of our outreach, expressing gratitude for our commitment to supporting the people of Makoko.
Key Takeaway and Next Steps
This visit reinforced the strong community support for our initiative, with stakeholders expressing their excitement and readiness to collaborate. The warm reception from the children and the engagement with community leaders highlighted the importance and urgency of the work we are doing.
With just a few days to go before the Makoko Community Christmas Outreach, our team is finalizing the last details to ensure a smooth and impactful program. We remain dedicated to making this Christmas one to remember for the families in Makoko, and we invite volunteers, donors, and partners to join us in this mission.
