“Every child you encounter is a divine appointment.” – Wess Stafford
Doris Amaka Ochei PhD
Wess Stafford, the extraordinary man whose famous quote appears above, is well-known for his deep compassion for children. For many decades, he served as the CEO of Compassion International, and he made a huge difference in the world as an advocate for children. This is a very familiar story that is bound to resonate with those who may have read about him. And, I know he will always be remembered for walking the path of compassion in both words and actions. For a man who knows that literature holds significant importance in every society, particularly in the face of daunting challenges in our common world today, he decided to give the world two remarkable books: Too Small to Ignore and Just a Minute. And his daily national radio short feature, Speak Up with Compassion, also touched lives in different countries and in different ways.
I chose to open my thoughts today with Stafford because the world would be a better place with more people like him. Honestly, I share in his views and his commitment toward a better society. Children, whether they are ours or not, are very important, that is why life becomes meaningless without them.
There are just too many reasons to love kids. Apart from their innocence and purity, kids embody love and straightforwardness. That is why they bring joy and laughter every time and everywhere they go. But I also love their curiosity, positivity, persistence, honesty, humility, creativity, cheerfulness and benevolence. There is also the spiritual dimension to children and I do not want to belabour this all-important point because our opening quote: “Every child you encounter is a divine appointment”, by Wess Stafford, already says a mouthful. Again, in Mathew 19:13-14, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ says: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”
This is our reality both here on earth and hereafter with regard to children and their significance. So, I am very intentional about children in spite of my very busy schedule. When I am with them, I free my mind of all worries because I want to listen and answer their never-ending innocent questions. Sometimes, the more questions they ask me, the happier I become. I must confess that I am also intrigued by their optimism and simplicity. Every time I am with a child, I always feel energized and hopeful because of their huge imagination, vulnerability, and optimistic outlook on life. For instance, with simple conversations, they could lift anyone’s spirits and engender hope, and this is very important to me. I also love the fact that children are always chasing after what they want even when the chances of realizing their dreams at the end of the day, are slim. Unlike adults, kids, more often than not, do not really care about what you feel regarding their views and disposition, even as their benefactor. So, they speak their minds always and wait for the feedback that may not necessarily be favourable to them.
For many years, I battled with my thoughts and being as regards what I needed to do to help children, not just by consciously being a positive role model to them, but also by teaching them kindness, responsibility and respect in my own little way. But above all, I needed to create a day without restrictions, exclusively for children. About five years ago, my dream of this ambition came true, to the glory of God.
So, every 26 December, all roads lead to Onicha-Olona, a major town in Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State. On this particular day every yesr, Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation, DAO, organizes a highly anticipated Christmas Party for children. It is usually a day of joy, expectation and excitement, not necessarily for children and their teachers, but also for adults from all walks of life. To make the day memorable, our team of volunteers, dedicated people from diverse backgrounds, starts the planning process about nine months to the event, so nothing is left undone. Apart from the meals which consist of snacks, rice and chicken, we also treat our children to activities such as dance competition, Bible Quiz, pantomime, drama presentation depicting the season, debate, musical shows, cultural displays, beauty contest (Master and Miss DAO pageant) and distribution of gifts by Father Christmas who is always on hand to add colour to the occasion.
Last year alone, during the Christmas Party, DAO Foundation distributed over 2000 customized school bags, water bottles, note books, pencils, biros and mathematical sets. The high point of the event was the presentation of cash prizes to exceptionally creative children and scholarships to students from different schools within the local government area.
Let me state that I am somebody who believes in the importance of symbolism in the things that I do. Therefore, to that extent, Onicha-Olona is representational in the sense that invitations are randomly extended to pupils and students in public schools from neighbouring towns and communities who also come in their numbers to be part of the event. Even though we converge yearly on Onicha-Olona for this party, there were instances in the past when children outside the town also won prizes and scholarship awards. So, it is an all-inclusive party for children everywhere within Aniocha North Local Government Area and even beyond.
Yes, sometimes I just wonder what life would be like without these adorable kids that constantly bring sunshine, fulfilment and hope to us as adults. As we all know, a world without children would definitely be scary and not worth living. Therefore, if Christmas is truly a season of love and a time to be with people, then we must open our hearts as individuals and groups, and let the giving begin. And we can do this from our different corners of the world, not necessarily in Onicha-Olona.
For now, another Christmas Party beckons, and we are ready and happy that another season of love and expectation is here. So, as I look forward to playing host to these wonderful children, I pray and hope that this year’s activities would surpass that of last year.
May God bless our childlen as I welcome them and wish each of them a merry Christmas and happy New Year in advance. God bless our children!
*Dr. Ochei, a Business Development Coach and Gender Advocate, writes from Lagos.
