HAEF’s Back-to-School Initiative Restores Hope for Children Across Nigeria

Raheem Akingbolu

The Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF), the humanitarian outreach arm of Harvesters International Christian Center, completed its annual Back-to-School Initiative, bringing hope, dignity, and restoration to underserved children and families across Nigeria.

The initiative, powered by partnerships with SOHCAHTOA Foundation, Saturn Home Appliance, and the Center for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR), demonstrated the transformative power of love in action.The focus of this year’s outreach was not only on meeting educational needs but also on ministering hope to broken communities, marginalized families, and even inmates longing for a second chance. The initiative extended into classrooms, slums, inner cities, and correctional facilities – places where the light of God’s love is needed most.

A moving component of the project was the “Empower to Rebuild” partnership with CELSIR and the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, where HAEF empowered inmates undergoing rehabilitation programs. Through vocational training, inmates produced 100 three-seater school desks, providing seating for 300 schoolchildren. This symbolized a profound truth: God can rebuild anything lives, families, and futures.

HAEF further facilitated the issuance of trade certifications from the Lagos State Ministry of Labour, equipping inmates with the tools to rebuild their lives upon release.

Across the country, the impact was widespread, including Makoko – Hope for the Slum School, that got 150 uniforms, 42 three-seater desks (seating 126)750 booksRoad sand-filling to improve school access.

Also, St. Jude’s Anglican Primary School, Ijesha-Ijebu with 30 desks, Complete school wear packages, 600 notebooks. Project at James Opeyemi Foundation Project includes; 10002,000 notebooks donated and Kuramo Secondary School, Ikoyi, with 28 chairs, full classroom renovation.

At LEA Primary School, Abuja, the initiative attracted 25 classroom chairs. Additionally, HAEF paid the school fees of children from families led by single mothers across Lagos, Ibadan, and Ekiti.

Reflecting on the initiative, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, Lead Pastor at HICC and Founder of HAEF , shared:“Education is one of the greatest levers for long-term transformation. Our strategy is simple target communities with the highest need and intervene with dignity-centered support. This year, we demonstrated that empowerment can also rebuild lives behind prison walls. We are proud to see inmates actively shaping the future of young Nigerians.”This Back-to-School Initiative reaffirms HAEF’s commitment to touching lives in meaningful ways and demonstrating the heart of God to communities nationwide.