One of the profound legacies fathers impart to their children is the invaluable gift of confidence and self-esteem. Regrettably, these vital qualities often elude fatherless children, leaving a palpable void in their lives.
Last Saturday, The Channel embarked on a transformative journey with orphaned children, launching Limitless—an initiative to unlock their full potential using play therapy techniques. At the Kefiano Global Foundation Home in Rayfield Jos, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as children indulged in a day of feasting, games, word-sharing, and self-discovery sessions. The event was held in a new home provided for the 19 children by the Kefiano Global Foundation.
Jennifer Turay, the Programme Director at the Kefiano Global Foundation shared the vision behind the new house, emphasizing the importance of a nurturing environment. ‘The new house provides a more homely space for the orphans with more outdoor activities and is within a safer environment’. She thanked the Channel for the continued intervention with the orphans.
Some of the activities included in the Limitless programme include Trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) as many of the children are survivors of armed conflict. Therapies of this type include talk, play, and learning activities that heal trauma. According to Ngozi Edmond, President of the Channel, ‘Witnessing the plight of a precious toddler, left paralyzed by senseless violence from Armed Fulani invaders, was truly heartbreaking. Yet, amid tragedy, we found solace in knowing that she survived, embraced by the love of our God and supported by compassionate souls’.
Play therapy is a highly effective approach for addressing trauma in young children. According to the Project Coordinator, Bella Osonwa, ‘ Play therapy provides a safe environment where children can express themselves freely without fear of judgment. This safe space is crucial for children to feel comfortable enough to explore and process their traumatic experiences.’
She further emphasised, ‘Through play, children can externalize and process their feelings in a non-threatening manner. We attempted to use activities that encouraged the children to act out or recreate aspects of their traumatic event, helping them release pent-up emotions and gain a sense of mastery over their experiences.
Courtesy of generous donations from kind partners and friends like you, The Channel can continue to engage orphans and vulnerable children in activities that will nurture a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose. Together, we are rewriting the narratives of these young lives, empowering them to embrace their limitless potential.
