The Jamido Children’s Home houses about 70 babies, children and young adults. They are all orphans who live there as a family. Irene Willoughby, the nurse who founded the orphanage 40 years ago, died in 1996. Bose Willoughby was the first orphan she took in. Bose is now a teacher, and is in charge of the orphanage. The charitable organisation Nigeria Direkt has been supporting the orphanage since 1996 and pays for the children’s education – from kindergarten through school and further training. This includes apprenticeship fees, school uniforms and learning and teaching materials. Each month, the organisation also buys food for the orphanage.

In 1996 a new facility was built, housing classrooms and dormitories. The school has its own garden. Extensive renovation work has been carried out and new furniture – e.g. beds, tables and benches – has been purchased for the large recreation room.

Since autumn 2004, the orphans charity has been paying for two fishing apprenticeships in the town of Shagamu. Two small shops – a hairdresser’s and a souvenir shop for visitors – have been built in the grounds of the orphanage.

In addition, Nigeria Direkt looks after the island’s schoolchildren at the Iba-Ibeju school and health project. The association pays for repairs to the school and, if necessary, also funds school fees for children whose parents cannot afford them. We have also had school uniforms made.

Once or twice a year the children receive the necessary vaccinations and inoculations. Other health and prophylactic measures are also available.