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By Mesoma Ejeh
Ndifreke Andrew-Essien, fondly known as ‘Freky,’ was involved in a ghastly motor accident that left her paraplegic and in a wheelchair. It was an experience that was traumatic and disheartening, and ultimately ignited in her a passion for “a meaningful and impactful living that would affect generations.”
This passion to make a difference in the lives of others has led to a journey that is changing the lives of many Nigerians. It led Andrew-Essien to set up a non-governmental organization (NGO), called the Freky Andrew-Essien Care Foundation, and better known as the FAECARE Foundation, a non-profit organization that works with different vulnerable groups across the south-south region of Nigeria.
Faecare foundation, according to Andrew-Essien, is different from the typical non-profit organization. “Each member of staff and volunteer, diligently and eagerly works with different groups specifically vulnerable children, persons with disability, youth and less privileged. With these groups, I and my team work hard to ensure that each program and project is tailored to suit whichever target group, approaching each project with clear, realistic goals and expectations which allow for very successful and impactful programs,” she said.
Some of the many projects that the Faecare Foundation hosts include their annual children’s charity concert tagged ‘Purple’ which creates a platform for children to showcase their talents, irrespective of their status and upbringing. We also provide educational opportunities by funding a partial scholarship for vulnerable children enrolled in our program. The ‘Hope Again’ initiative, one of Faecare Foundation’s projects, is a co-mentoring program targeted at women and girls living with disabilities. These are just a few of the many projects of the Faecare Foundation. Although targeted at different groups, a common thread running through each project is the love and hard work that consistently goes to each one.”
Despite the immense impact that they have made, the Faecare foundation looks to scale up the programs and activities that it offers. This includes working to legally protect the rights and quality of life of people living with disabilities in Nigeria, and also continuing to engage youths in programs exposing them to volunteerism and teaching them life skills.
Andrew-Essien further noted that “with huge plans for the future, Freky and the Faecare Foundation welcome friends, partners, and sponsors of any kind. To aid their tremendous efforts, you could help provide commodities, toys, mobility aids, books, funding partners or choose to be a monthly, quarterly or project based financial partner or maybe you just volunteer.”
She urged members of the public interested in supporting the work Faecare foundation is doing in alleviating the plight of the less privileged to contact the NGO through their email: faecarefoundation.info@gmail.com.
