…Geared towards uplifting traumatized, less-privileged children.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
A transformative educational facility and support initiative targeted at less-privileged and traumatized children in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State has been commissioned.
The school, a product of a strategic collaboration, between Back2Back Ministries, USA, and Hon. Daniel Asama, Member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, with support from the Vineyard Church, Cincinnati, is a beacon of hope for vulnerable children affected by years of insecurity and social vices.
While commissioning the project, the Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, described the initiative as a “reflection of the teachings of Jesus Christ,” while emphasizing the moral duty to care for the vulnerable in the society.
“I thank God for the privilege to witness this remarkable initiative – an act of service by people led by God,” he stated.
He commended Hon. Daniel Asama and all partners for the labour of love, saying, “You are living out the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ: ‘feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty and offering opportunity to the underprivileged.’ This is the true ministry of Christ.”
The governor lauded the Vineyard Cincinnati Church, USA, for its unwavering support, noting that its investment is not just in education, but in the eternal value of human lives.
“Heaven is recording your efforts,” he said. “Even, if the world never hears your names, be assured that your sacrifices are known to God, and you will be rewarded.”
He encouraged other privileged individuals to emulate the spirit of generosity exhibited by the Vineyard Cincinnati Church, warning that wealth not used to uplift others amounts to waste.
“We must rediscover the virtue of giving. Resources only gain value when used to impact lives. This project sets a worthy example.”
The governor pledged the full support of his administration to ensure the institution achieves its mission of transforming the lives of orphans and vulnerable children.
Speaking earlier, Hon. Daniel Asama, Member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and a partner, noted that “The initiative is a brainchild of Vineyard Cincinnati Church, USA, with a vision to nurture and restore traumatized children through holistic care.
“Our goal is to break the cycle of generational poverty by meeting the spiritual, physical, emotional, educational, and social needs of vulnerable children,” Asama said.
He recounted how the vision began modestly – with just four people: himself, Jason, Emily, and their driver, and has grown into a vibrant institution with 135 full-time staff and 24 ad-hoc workers.
“This trauma-informed school, The Great Oaks Trauma-Informed Education Centre, is one of only four of its kind in the world,” Asama revealed. “We run a hybrid curriculum combining Nigerian and American standards, tailored to the unique emotional and psychological needs of crisis-affected children.”
He expressed gratitude to the mostly American donors, who have consistently supported the project, recalling how children from Vineyard’s Sunday School once raised funds through their pocket-money to build the preschool block.
Chairman of Bassa Local Government Council, Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti, praised the initiative as “timely and strategic.”
“This school offers hope to countless traumatized children, orphans and the hopeless whose lives have been upended by conflict. A society without education is a doomed one.”
Another speaker (on behalf of the Kiche community), Ati Ezekiel Angai, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Mutfwang and the project partners.
“Your Excellency; we thank you for your inclusive leadership and the legacy you are building,” he said. “Since 1999, three governors have contributed to this project – from land acquisition to compensation. Today, you crown their efforts with commissioning, and we believe you will do even more.”
He also commended the governor for integrating sons and daughters of Kiche into his administration and for facilitating the establishment of the local MOPOL Squadron, noting that, “Without your support, that would not have been possible.”