VEANI INITIATIVE

        TELL YOURSELF ‘’YES I CAN’’ In a remote village of Anyu surrounded by endless fields and dusty roads, lived a young girl named Iyahaya. Life had not been kind to her from the start. At the tender age of four, she lost her mother, leaving her in the care of her father, who struggled to make ends meet. The weight of sorrow and poverty hung heavily over their small home. Despite the hardships, one thing brought light into Iyahaya’s world: education. From the moment she could understand words, she fell in love with the idea of learning. She would sit by the village school, listening to the teachers from outside the window, absorbing every bit of knowledge she could. Her passion for learning was like a flame that refused to be extinguished, even in the darkest times. Without her mother’s guidance and no resources to rely on, Iyahaya knew that her journey would be a solitary one. Unlike other children who had the support of their families or could dream of scholarships, Iyahaya had nothing but her determination. Her father, overwhelmed by grief and the struggle to survive, couldn’t see the value in education. He believed that Iyahaya should focus on practical skills to help with their survival. But Iyahaya’s desire to learn was stronger than any obstacle. She found old, discarded textbooks, worn and torn, and taught herself to read with the dim lantern light. Every day, after completing her chores, she would walk to the village school, hoping to catch glimpses of the lessons. When the teachers, seeing her eagerness, left their doors open, to allow her to learn from a distance. As she grew older, Iyahaya realized that if she continued her education, she would have to find a way to support herself. She took on any work she could find—tending to other people’s crops, fetching water, and even sewing clothes late into the night. Every coin she earned went towards buying notebooks and pencils, small treasures that fueled her passion. Though the journey was lonely and challenging, Iyahaya’s desire to rise above her circumstances never wavered. She studied relentlessly, often with an empty stomach and aching hands, knowing that education was her only way out. Her passion kept her moving forward, even when the road seemed long. Years passed, and Iyahaya’s hard work began to pay off. She has completed her education. Her story became an inspiration in the village, a testament to what passion and desire could achieve, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Iyahaya’s journey was far from over. She dreamed of becoming a philanthropist, to bring the gift of education to children who, like her, had little but the desire to learn. Her passion had carried her through the toughest times, and her desire had shaped her into a beacon of hope for others. Through her perseverance, Iyahaya proved that even when the world offers you nothing, you can still carve out a future with the tools of passion and desire.

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We want to hear from YOU! Your voice, thoughts, and support are what drive our mission forward. Together, we can create a brighter future for widows, indigent women, and the girl child. If you want to stay up-to-date with our latest news, initiatives, and success stories, follow our page. Let's build a community of care and empowerment. 🔗 Follow us now and join the movement! THIS IS VEAN - Voice of Rivers Widows and the Girl Child Initiative. #EmpowerWidows #SupportTheGirlChild #JoinTheMovement #indigentwomen

On International Widows' Day 2024, Amb. Veronica Joseph, Executive Director of VEANI, delivered a compelling speech on 98.5 Treasure FM, emphasizing the urgent need to empower widows and address their unique challenges. In her address, she advocated for establishing a specialized desk or ministry dedicated to handling the cases of widows, along with implementing a toll-free line to attend to their needs. Key Points of the Speech: Recognition of Unique Challenges: Amb. Joseph highlighted that while widows are women, their challenges are distinct and require targeted interventions. She pointed out that existing laws in Nigeria address women's issues in general but often overlook the specific hardships faced by widows. Advocacy for a Special Desk or Ministry: To address this gap, Amb. Veronica Joseph called for a dedicated desk or ministry focused solely on widows' issues. This specialized body would be responsible for addressing widows' legal, social, and economic challenges, ensuring they receive the necessary support and protection. Proposal for a Toll-Free Line: Amb. Veronica Joseph proposed the introduction of a toll-free hotline specifically for widows. This service would provide immediate assistance, offer legal advice, and connect widows to essential resources and support networks. Legal and Policy Gaps: She underscored that the current legal policies in Nigeria, while inclusive of women, do not adequately cater to the nuanced needs of widows. Amb. Joseph urged policymakers to draft and implement laws that specifically address the rights and needs of widows, including inheritance rights, protection against property grabbing, and access to social services. Empowerment and Support Initiatives: Amb. Joseph emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for widows through skill development programs, financial literacy training, and access to credit facilities. She also advocated for the establishment of support groups and networks to provide emotional and psychological support to widows. Conclusion: Amb. Veronica Joseph's speech on International Widows' Day 2024 was a clarion call for recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by widows in Nigeria. Her advocacy for a special desk or ministry and a toll-free line dedicated to widows' issues underscores the need for targeted interventions and legal reforms. Her efforts aim to ensure widows receive the support, protection, and empowerment necessary to live dignified and independent lives. The event at 98.5 Treasure FM provided a platform for Amb. Joseph to amplify her message and rally support from the public, government, and civil society for the cause of widows' rights in Nigeria.,The Loomba Foundation,Dotun Jegede PhD, FOLDN, RODP,Hasfat Abdullahi Muhammad,UN Women,Military Widow Empowerment Program,Scottish Widows,European Union,British Council,Temple Chukwuemeka Oraeki,Ministry of Women and Child Affairs

Celebrating Children gives me joy. Communicating, interacting, and sharing stories make them build confidence in you. It is an exciting moment.

Join the movement for change! Together, let's empower women, educate girls, and uplift motherless children affected by conflicts and climate change. Calling all compassionate souls and champions of change! Join us in our mission to empower and educate women, girls, and motherless children affected by conflicts and exacerbated by the relentless impacts of climate change. In the face of adversity, our commitment to fostering resilience and unlocking potential remains unwavering. But we can't do it alone. We need your support, your generosity, and your belief in the power of education and empowerment to transform lives. Together, we can provide hope where there is despair, opportunities where there are barriers, and futures where there once seemed none. Your partnership means more than just financial support; it means standing shoulder to shoulder with those who need it most, amplifying their voices, and ensuring that no one is left behind. Join us today and be a part of something truly impactful. Together, let's rewrite the narrative for women, girls, and motherless children, and build a brighter, more equitable tomorrow for all., #EmpowerWomen #EducateGirls #ChangeMakers

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VEANI Annual Program "Let's Share ": Fostering Community and Compassion During Christmas Experience the true spirit of Christmas by joining us in creating an inclusive celebration that brings joy and support to 100 vulnerable widows, women, and indigent girls facing challenges. Together, let's make a difference and spread the love! More are still in need... Join Us and Donate

Child marriage is a complex and pervasive issue with profound consequences for individuals and societies. Key issues associated with the violation of human rights, Impacts on Health, gender Inequality, and the cycle of poverty. Child marriage disrupts education for both girls and boys. Married girls are often forced to drop out of school, limiting their opportunities for personal development and economic empowerment. Join us now to say no to child marriage.

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