World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day is an international day dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly and set as 19 August to mark the day on which the then Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, and 21 of his colleagues were killed in the bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad.

 

Real Life Heroes

 

Today, World Humanitarian Day, the world honors all humanitarians, many working in their own communities, who are going to extraordinary lengths in extraordinary times to help women, men and children whose lives are upended by crises and the global COVID-19 pandemic. But humanitarian workers are being tested like never before, struggling with unprecedented movement restrictions and insufficient resources as needs are outpacing funds. The dedication, perseverance and self-sacrifice of these real-life heroes represent the best of humanity as they respond to the COVID-19 crisis and the massive increase in humanitarian needs it has triggered.

 

The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) takes the lead in humanitarian efforts across the African continent and is quickly becoming one of the most distinguished faith-based charitable organizations in Africa, the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) continues to expand its efforts to provide for the needs of those living in poverty, those affected by natural and man-made disasters and elevating the level of services provided to communities across the African continent.

 

COFI provides humanitarian aid and lifesaving relief to those in great need through its own initiatives and through the sponsorship of partner agencies devoted to affecting positive change throughout the region and beyond. The work of these humanitarian aid networks aligns closely with the foundation’s Christian mission. The acclaimed agencies supported by COFI are the Volunteer Medical Corps, Trauma Care International Foundation, InnerCity Mission for Children, Future Africa Leaders Foundation and the Bible for All Mission.

 

Acts Of Love

 

Motswakhumo JSS is located in the small village of Lentsweletau, 61km from the capital city Gaborone. Most of the students in the school are from poor background, and cannot afford basic necessities. Among the many needs that the school and the students have, is the need for blankets as the temperature in Botswana can drop to 0°C and below. Most of the students have only one blanket each, which is used as both base and cover, which does not provide them with enough warmth. We applaud the work of the Humanitarian Volunteer Network (HVN) Gaborone Chapter who took up this challenge to provide 41 blankets to some of the boarding students.

 

 

 

 

Sam Jamz also embarked on the #actsoflove campaign to help indigent children cultivate a reading culture by donating story books to Ogudu Nursery and Primary School, Lagos. With much appreciation, his benevolence has benefited 500 pupils who are able to use these books during literacy lessons in the classroom.

 

 

Continuing with World Humanitarian Day, we thank Felix Nwanze for distributing packed food to poor children and families on the street of Okokomaiko, Lagos,  reaching 80 people.  His display of humanitarian benevolence also makes him a real life hero.

 

 

Happy World Humanitarian Day!  Thank you too to Letisha Matthew and Blessing Adoghe for leading the HVN Benin Republic Chapter to raise and distribute food parcels to vulnerable children and families. Their visitation to the slums of Akpakpa, Cotonou brought hope and love to the poor.

 

 

The efforts of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International are only made possible through the generous donations made by its sponsors, the kindness of individuals who volunteer their time and skills, and the divine motivation received through the Word of God. Volunteer today with the InnerCity Mission for Children at vn.theinnercitymission.ngo #WorldHumanitarianDay #ImpactingLives #ActsOfLove