COFI and ICM celebrate Mothers in All Forms

This week we celebrated Mothers Day and paid tribute at the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) to all the wonderful “mothers” out there who make a big difference in so many lives.

“Mothers” Come in Many Forms

The meaning of being a mother is virtually endless. A mother is a protector, disciplinarian, and friend. A selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of their wants and needs for the wants and needs of their children. A mother works hard to make sure their child is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to make it as a competent human being. A mother is not defined solely as the person who gave birth to the child, and in this case, we refer to the thousands of sponsors, volunteers, and partners who together with our founding father, Chris Oyakhilome, provide the loving role of a “mother” to thousands of indigent children, through various programs and interventions.

Over the years, the programs and campaigns of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) and the InnerCity Mission (ICM), have impacted the lives of millions of indigent beneficiaries around the world in underserved, hard-to-reach communities.

Many low-income families are finding it hard to feed their children, especially with the hike in food prices. There can be nothing more heartbreaking for a mother than seeing her child go hungry. Eradicating poverty, which is the main cause of hunger, has always been a top priority at the InnerCity Mission (ICM). The InnerCity Mission has had remarkable achievements over the years, which are clear testimonies of the unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions to the issue of poverty. This is the dream and the legacy of Chris Oyakhilome himself, who launched the Hunger Action Month (HAM) Campaign earlier this month.

There are many causes of poverty that contribute to the problem of global hunger. When people are undernourished, they tend to be weak and unhealthy. When one is hungry it makes it harder to grow and learn, and it is no surprise that people can’t rise up to break the cycle of poverty and hunger.

Anybody that is able to play a caring, giving, and helping hand can also be considered in this situation to have a mothering role.

“A mother is someone to shelter and guide us,
To love us, whatever we do,
With a warm understanding and infinite patience,
And wonderful gentleness, too.” – Katherine Nelson Davis

At the InnerCity Mission, we believe that love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you the giver.

Nutritious meals lead to developing healthy minds and attending school which in turn helps to break the cycle of poverty, as education and poverty are inextricably linked. Knowledge gives children the power to dream of a better future and the confidence needed to pursue a full education, which in turn will help generations to come.

Continue to be a giver this month with the Hunger Action Month Campaign, a global campaign designed to mobilize our partners and volunteers to come together to raise awareness and be inspired to take action on the issue of hunger affecting indigent children and poor families. This action will help to break the cycle that trickles down the generations and enable mothers to give their children what they need to lead healthy, productive, and successful lives.