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16
Oct

International Adolescent Health Week 2025: Empowering Youth at Makurdi IDP Camp

Elohim Development Foundation (EDF), alongside Civil Society Organizations, Benue State, and Glorious Teens Ministry, proudly joined forces under the Temi’s Smile Project to celebrate International Adolescent Health Week 2025. With the theme Thriving Inside and Out – Strengthening Physical and Mental Health of Adolescents, this initiative brought hope to adolescents at the International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi. The outreach engaged young boys and girls with vital education on: 🩸 Menstrual Health and Hygiene 🧼 Personal Hygiene 🚭 Drug Abuse Prevention 💬 Comprehensive Sex Education To support their well-being, sanitary pads were distributed to 200 girls, alongside water kegs and treatment materials, promoting dignity and hygiene. The Temi’s Smile Project ensures this support continues monthly, boosting their confidence and education. Through such efforts, EDF reaffirms its dedication to nurturing resilient, healthy communities. A heartfelt thank you to all partners and individuals who made this success possible! #IAHW2025 #MentalHealth #AdolescentHealth

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11
Oct

International Day of the Girl Child 2025: Empowering Futures

Elohim Development Foundation, alongside Civil Society Organizations, Benue State, and three other partners, proudly celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th, 2025, under the Inspired to Shine · Global Genius theme. 💜 This day honors the courage, dreams, and vision of every girl for a peaceful, just world. At EDF, we are committed to empowering girls, believing their strength builds stronger, more peaceful communities. Despite persistent barriers, we strive to ensure every girl accesses quality education, protection, and leadership opportunities. Let’s unite to create spaces where girls are heard, supported, and inspired to shape their futures. Investing in girls lays the foundation for sustainable peace and development. Happy International Day of the Girl Child! ✨ #IDG2025 #DayOfTheGirl #GirlPower

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10
Oct

Creating Awareness, Building Resilience: Drug Abuse Sensitization in Lafia Schools

The aptly named Resilience Initiative is the brainchild of Elohim Development Foundation (EDF), a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment in North Central Nigeria. Inspired by the unyielding spirit of young minds facing daily challenges, "Resilience" captures our drive to fortify inner strength, while "Initiative" represents the fresh canvas of opportunity we provide through community-driven programs. We’ve spearheaded countless transformative events, from peacebuilding dialogues and trauma healing workshops to youth skill-building sessions across Lafia and beyond. In a recent highlight, our Lafia team conducted vital sensitization efforts at: Universal Nursery and Primary School, Bukan Sidi, Lafia LGEA Primary School, Tudun Kauri, Lafia Ta’al Model School, Lafia Through dynamic interactive talks, storytelling, and discussions, we illuminated the dangers of drug and substance abuse for pupils in their formative years. These sessions equipped them with tools to navigate risky influences, make healthy choices, and seek support—empowering them to prioritize education, well-being, and advocacy for change in their communities. As global concerns about youth drug abuse rise, with studies showing increased vulnerability in diverse environments like Lafia Metropolis, initiatives like ours align with proven strategies for prevention, such as engaging school-based education to build long-term resilience. Your future is yours to shape—don’t let shadows dim your light. Embrace the power within to rise, inspire, and lead. Dr. Victoria Daaor, EDF Coordinator We continue to illuminate paths forward, from mental health campaigns to community resilience programs, fostering a generation of strong, informed youth. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthEmpowermentp> Read More

10
Oct

World Mental Health Day 2025: Walking and Talking for Adolescent Well-Being

The Resilience Pathway shines brightly through the partnership of Elohim Development Foundation (EDF) with Civil Society Organizations, Benue State, and Lions Clubs International, marking World Mental Health Day 2025 under the theme Adolescents and Mental Health. This collaboration, led by Lions Club International, District 404A2 Nigeria, and Makurdi Heritage Lions Club, ignited a powerful movement in Makurdi, Benue State. The day kicked off with a vibrant Health Walk from Savannah Roundabout to Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Makurdi—a symbolic stride toward raising awareness, fostering understanding, and building support for mental health. The walk united community members, students, and advocates, embodying the call: Together for Mental Health: Let’s Walk, Talk, and Learn. This collective action mirrors global efforts to address adolescent mental health, where early intervention can significantly reduce long-term risks. At GGSS Makurdi, the event evolved into an engaging outreach, offering students and teachers an interactive session on Adolescent Mental Health—a critical topic in today’s fast-paced world. Lion Dr. Victoria Daaor, EDF’s Executive Director and Guest Speaker, delivered a compelling talk on Adolescent Mental Health: Signs, Causes, and Solutions. She shed light on the mounting pressures—academic stress, peer influence, and social media—urging early support, empathy, and safe spaces at home and school. Her words inspired students to embrace self-awareness, communication, and self-care as pillars of mental well-being. Following her, Lion Erdoo Gloria Kelagba led a practical session on Conquering Depression, equipping participants with tools to recognize symptoms, seek help without stigma, and cultivate resilience through positivity and connection. These sessions underscored EDF’s and Lions Club’s shared mission to nurture emotional strength and community awareness among adolescents—our future leaders. As the day closed, a powerful message lingered: “Mental health is not a destination, but a continuous journey requiring awareness, compassion, and support from us all.” Together, we walk, talk, and learn—building stronger, healthier communities for a brighter tomorrow. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAwareness #AdolescentWellbeing

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09
Oct

The Hidden Weight: Let’s Talk Real Before World Mental Health Day

The Resilience Haven, a heartfelt initiative by Elohim Development Foundation (EDF) in partnership with MentalHealthPH and two other allies, sets the stage for an authentic conversation as we approach World Mental Health Day tomorrow, October 17, 2025. Before the hashtags and official posts take over, let’s pause to address the real weight we carry today.
We often focus on the visible struggles—crushing deadlines, mounting bills, or physical exhaustion. But what about the hidden weight? The silent battles in our minds: the anxiety that tightens our breath, the sadness that turns a kitchen trip into a marathon, or that nagging voice whispering, “You’re not good enough.” If you’re shouldering this load, hear this:
Your Fight Isn’t a Fail: Struggling doesn’t signify weakness—it marks your humanity and courage. Mental health challenges are health issues, no different from a broken leg. Don’t fault yourself for a weary mind; it takes strength to endure and even more to acknowledge it.
The Fake Smile is Heavy: We all wear the “I’m great!” mask, flashing perfect smiles. Yet, that facade is exhausting. True connection blooms when we let it slip, revealing the raw, honest truth of our struggles.
Small Moves Count as Wins: On the toughest days, getting out of bed, taking a shower, or sipping water is a triumph. Ditch the comparison to polished online lives—celebrate these small victories. They pave the way to brighter days.
Tomorrow is for awareness, but today calls for action. The action of self-honesty. The action of reaching out. Let’s transform “it’s okay to not be okay” into a safe haven where saying “I need help” is embraced.Be real. Speak up. Don’t carry it alone. If today feels overwhelming, reach out—support is ready. Together, we lighten the hidden weight. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealth #ResilienceHaven.

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03
Oct

Day 3: Empowered Counsellors, Fostering Resilience and Sustainable Impact

The Resilience Forge, a cornerstone of Elohim Development Foundation’s (EDF) collaboration with ECOS Nigeria, shone brightly on the final day of the Lay Counsellor training under the ECOS project, concluding with transformative sessions on October 16, 2025. This initiative equips community leaders with the tools to nurture mental health and peacebuilding. The day began with a recap of Day 2, reinforcing vital lessons on counseling stages, interventions, and skills—building a strong foundation for effective support. A key focus was Self-Care for Lay Counsellors, emphasizing well-being and burnout prevention with the powerful reminder: “Self-care is not selfishness.” The training wrapped up with a Closing Reflection and Evaluation, allowing participants to reflect on their journey and assess the program’s impact. Now equipped with empathy, resilience, and psychological care skills, these Lay Counsellors are poised to uplift their communities. The ECOS project, with EDF’s steadfast support, continues its mission to empower individuals and foster sustainable peace through mental health advocacy. #MHPSS #LayCounsellorTraining #ECOS #SustainableImpact

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