The Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF), founded by Pastor Bolaji Idowu, Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC), in partnership with Socathoa Foundation, has reached over 1,000 children through its Back-to-School Outreach, providing educational materials, healthcare support, school-fee assistance and opportunities for children’s development.
Led by Diepriye Okunye-Olu, the initiative is guided by HAEF’s focus for the year: “A Healthy and Confident Child Learns Well.”
The outreach reached more than 300 children in Orile Iganmu in partnership with Glow Foundation, over 350 children in the Lakowe community, and more than 150 children in Okeho. At Local Government Primary School, Igando, over 100 school bags and additional learning materials were provided to pupils, with the initiative powered by Seamless Technologies (Harambee).
Beyond educational support, HAEF also addressed children’s healthcare needs. At Oriwu Junior Secondary School, the foundation donated medical equipment and supplies for the school’s sick bay, including a nebulizer, digital thermometers, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, weighing scale, stadiometer, otoscope, sterilizer/autoclave and first aid kit. Similar medical support was provided to the Interfaith Internally Displaced People’s Camp in Guruku, Nasarawa State.
HAEF further supported children’s education by paying school fees for children of single mothers and awarding cash prizes to participants in the Smashing Gambit Chess Tournament, promoting strategic thinking and intellectual development.
According to Pastor Bolaji Idowu, “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow in confidence and build a better future. When we invest in a child’s health, education and wellbeing, we are investing in the future of our communities and our nation.”
The outreach was made possible through the support of partners, sponsors, volunteers and individuals, including Socathoa Foundation, Seamless Technologies (Harambee) and Immersed Print Digital Limited.
HAEF continues to encourage organisations, businesses and individuals to contribute their resources, expertise and time towards community-focused initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact.
Through the Back-to-School Outreach, HAEF is demonstrating its commitment to helping children remain healthy, confident and equipped to learn, while creating opportunities for stronger families and communities.