Strategic Direction: Health, Family, and Human Life
The foundation's commitment to enhancing the well-being of women, children, and youth is reflected in its multifaceted approach, which includes:
Health Education: Implementing comprehensive health education programs to educate vulnerable populations on health practices, nutrition, and disease prevention, thereby improving overall health outcomes
Healthcare Services: Facilitating access to critical healthcare services, such as maternal and child health, Padiatric and adolescent TB/HIV/ Malaria prevention and response, immunization, and reproductive health services, to ensure the well-being of marginalized groups.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Services:
Objective: To improve access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene education in underserved communities, thereby reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases and promoting healthier living environments.
- Access to Clean Water: Implementing projects to provide clean and safe drinking water through the construction of boreholes, wells, and rainwater harvesting systems in rural and peri-urban communities. Partnering with local governments and other stakeholders to maintain and monitor water sources to ensure their sustainability.
- Sanitation Facilities: Constructing and rehabilitating sanitary latrines and toilets in schools, health centers, and public spaces to promote hygiene and prevent open defecation. Supporting communities in developing and maintaining waste management systems to ensure proper disposal of human waste and other refuse.
- Hygiene Education: Conducting hygiene promotion campaigns focused on hand washing, menstrual hygiene management, and safe water storage practices.
- Training community health workers and volunteers to educate households on the importance of hygiene and the prevention of waterborne diseases.
- Distributing hygiene kits, including soap, sanitary pads, and water treatment supplies, to vulnerable populations, particularly in times of crisis.
Community Engagement: Encouraging community participation in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of WASH projects to ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate and sustainable. Establishing WASH committees (WASHCOM) to oversee the maintenance of water and sanitation facilities and to promote ongoing hygiene education within communities.
Incorporating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Services into O-ten Ita Foundation’s strategic direction ensures a holistic approach to improving health and living conditions in the communities they services.
Family Support Programs: Offering counseling, family planning, and support for single parents to strengthen family units and promote family welfare.
Human Rights Advocacy: Advocating for the rights to health and life, ensuring all individuals have access to quality healthcare regardless of their social or economic status.
Programs for women and girls typically focus on a variety of areas aimed at empowerment, health, education, economic development, and protection from violence. Here are some common types of programs:
Women and Girls Programs
- Reproductive Health Services: Access to information, counseling, and services related to family planning, maternal health, and sexual health.
- Menstrual Hygiene Management: Programs that provide sanitary products and education on menstrual health to girls in schools.
- Mental Health Support: Counseling and mental health services specifically tailored to the needs of women and girls.
- Economic Empowerment for Women and Girls: Entrepreneurship Training: Programs that teach business skills and provide start-up funding for women to start their own businesses.
- Microfinance: Access to small loans and financial services for women to help them build and expand businesses.
- Vocational Training: Skill development in trades like tailoring, catering, or technology, often combined with job placement support.
Protection and Advocacy for Women and Girls
- Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Our Programs aimed at preventing domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of violence against women and girls. Legal Aid and Support: Providing legal assistance to women and girls who are survivors of violence or discrimination. Advocacy for Rights: Campaigns and policy work to advance the rights of women and girls at the local, national, or international level.
- Leadership and Civic Participation: Leadership Training: Programs that prepare women and girls for leadership roles in their communities or in politics. Civic Engagement: Encouraging and training women and girls to participate in civic activities, including voting and community organizing.
- Girls' Clubs and Safe Spaces: Creating environments where girls can meet, learn, and express themselves freely without fear of violence or discrimination. Shelters for Women and Girls*: Providing temporary housing and support services for women and girls who have experienced violence or are otherwise vulnerable. Hygiene and Sanitation - WASH Programs*: Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, often with a focus on the needs of women and girls. Reproductive Health Education*: Focused on educating adolescent girls on their rights, body changes, and reproductive health.