BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Looking back at how far we have come, we are filled with immeasurable gratitude and
thankful to God almighty.
Julius C. Mba
Chairman
Arthur Okolie
Secretary
Hyman A. Okonkwo
Head of Publicity
Rev. Fr. Charles Ozioko
Member
Rev. Sr. Oluchi Osondu
Member
Tochukwu B. Mba
Member
Amaobichi Osondu
Member
vocl
Brief History of VOCI
Voice of Children International (VOCI) was first conceived in 1996 by Rev. Fr. Chidi
Ezennia Osondu. It was during the period of his seminary formation that the seed of
setting up an organisation for the less privileged was sown in his heart, which later
came into existence with the name, Voice of Children International. It became
operational in 2002 but its office in Nigeria started functioning in 2005 after Fr.
Chidi’s Priestly ordination.
VOCI
LATE REV.FR.CHIDI EZENNIA OSONDU - PROFILE
Late Fr. Chidi Ezennia Osondu was born on the 19 th of July 1973; the first of the
seven children of late Mr. Luke Chijioke and Mrs. Susan Osondu of Amoli in Awgu
Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Most legends have humble
beginnings, which often seem irreconcilable with their great achievements. Late Rev.
Fr. Chidi Ezennia Osondu was one of such icons that achieved great heights from a
humble start of life.
VOCI
VOCI Target Areas
John F. Kennedy said, “let us think of education as the
means of developing our greatest abilities because in each of us there is a
private hope and dream, which when fulfilled, can be translated into
benefit for everyone and greater strength for all.” Thus, making sure that
the poor, less privileged, and handicapped children have access to learn
how to read and write is a priority for VOCI. VOCI has funded over
200 children and teenagers in various schools and institutions in Nigeria.
Harnessing and developing children and youths who are endowed with
academic talents but do not have the means of reaching their potentials
is another focus area for VOCI. VOCI provides them with career
counselling services, information sharing and scholarships for higher
education, both in Nigeria and abroad.
In addition, VOCI donates educational materials to children in primary
and secondary schools within rural communities. Teaching materials are
also provided to rural schools.
Children with health challenges that could not be treated in
Nigeria due to lack of advanced medical equipment, were flown to the
United States of America (USA) for treatment, and in most cases surgical
operation, through VOCI. Since 2002, Voice of Children International
has been sponsoring children from Nigeria to the USA for specialised
medical treatment. These are children and teenagers with serious medical
disorders and abnormalities. VOCI had St. Francis Hospital, Columbus,
Georgia, and Providence Hospital; Craniofacial, Southfield, MI, USA as
medical partners.
Provision of shelter is of upmost necessity to VOCI. The
number of persons that have been assisted by VOCI is over 170. Some
of them reside in other rented orphanages, while handicapped children
live in rented facilities. Orphans and unwed mothers also live in a rented
space. VOCI is looking into constructing a Centre for needy
children/teenagers and unwed mothers.
Nigeria is a country with a strong sense of love for
family and community, but, also a country with a strong attachment to
traditional practices and customs. For example, most families find the
pregnancy of an unwed daughter to be a serious issue that is against
family ancestry and pride, thus such girls are faced with uncomfortable
conditions in their own homes. VOCI, over the years, has provided
helping hands, words of encouragement, counselling, financial response,
and love.
In remembrance of the 9 th
anniversary of Fr. Chidi’s transition to glory, VOCI organized football
competition in his community of Amoli where 4 teams participated. The
football competition was repeated during the 10 th anniversary, and it is
scheduled to be an annual event going forward.