By COVID-19: SCHOOL IN THE STREET PARTNERS STREET MEDICINE NIGERIA TO SENSITIZE STREET CHILDREN
On March 30, 2020, School In The Street(SITS) in partnership with Street Medicine Nigeria reached out to street children in Ikorodu to sensitize them on the Coronavirus pandemic which has been ravaging the world and threatening human existence.
Over 50 street children and youths who have been taking lessons at the makeshift mobile classroom set up by School In The Street in Ikorodu area of Lagos were in attendance at the event.
Mrs. Mujidah Wuraola Mojeed-Sanni, a volunteer of SITS, who facilitated the sensitization activity informed the street children of measures to be taken to stay safe and stay alive. This according to her includes regular hand washing, use of alcohol based sanitizers and social distancing. Mrs Mojeed-Sanni also took the children through practical exercise on handwashing and best ways to apply sanitizers on their hands.
Mr. Olakunle Sanni, the CEO of SITS, while addressing the street children encouraged them to stay where they are and not roam about during the lockdown as anyone found disobeying the order will be arrested.
The street children raise concerns on how they would survive during the lockdown as there would be no means for them to earn money nor would there be food to eat. While making them to know he understood the hardship they would be facing, Mr. Sanni promised that School In The Street will make efforts to provide food to them at least once in a day to reduce the suffering.
Hand sanitizers were shared to the street children for use on a regular basis. Uncooked food items like Indomie and rice were also given out to them in preparation for lockdown which was to commence the next day as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
On behalf of SITS, Mr. Sanni used the opportunity to appreciate Street Medicine Nigeria for their consistent support and also call on other well meaning individuals and organisations to join in supporting the basic needs of street children during this period.
