ASIDE individuals, one organisation committed to caring for this set of people, at least in Lagos and environs and parts of the Southeast, is So-Said Charity Home, located in Okota, Lagos. Although quiet and serene on the outside, a visit to So-Said Home takes you into their unique world. Inside, so much work and determination is invested into the lives of those abandoned by family, friends and loved ones because of their unstable mental health.
Here, Mrs. Ifeoma Martins and her energetic team are at work, caring, counselling, changing and redirecting brains that had once lost it all. It is indeed a tough world they admit but their passion, perseverance and dedication to serve humanity drives and keeps them going, against all odds.
“Our work is based on love, care and concern for humanity. Our vision is to rescue vulnerable persons, mainly from the streets. And when we do this, we inform the authorities before our in-house medical team steps in for first-aid treatment and then take them to the hospital for continuous medical assessment.”
The second stage is the rehabilitation process in the home equipped to help them start a new life and empower them to excel and conquer their world.
This, she said, naturally leads to the third stage, where they are reconciled to their families.
There is a fish pond for sustenance and a craft center, where the women create unique accessories, head gears and exclusive bathroom slippers and more.
Another high point here is a primary school for children, who do not just study but learn basic skills for the future.
The Nation also found that the patients are in high spirit, singing and dancing; and one could feel the excitement in their voices, as they thanked the visitors and offered prayers to their benefactors.
Also, green is the dominating colour of the wall, the outfits and aprons. One could also notice the new energy, new life and new expectations. Yes, there are so many transformations going on here and for the doubting Thomases, Martins has video clips of the transformations that is ongoing in the lives of the patients, past and present. One could see them first in their unstable mental states, just before the team came to their rescue.
However, seeing the transformation that have taken place in their lives, especially in cases you thought were irredeemable, bring tears to the eyes.
Leave a Reply