In April 2017, just after medical school, I was serving Nigeria as one of the two resident doctors, covering a population of more than 120,000 persons in kolokuma opokuma, Bayelsa State. One evening, I was called to the emergency unit of the health centre to behold a 5 year old girl who was brought in as very weak, very pale and very ill. We did a quick packed cell volume which was 8%, indicating that she was severely anaemic and she had high pluses in the malaria test done. She only managed to say "I want to go." I hurriedly asked for a blood donor, because there was no ready blood available since the facility doesn't store blood. Just before someone could be bled, she died in my arms. It was a very sad experience.
I later learnt that many children died the same way, out there in the fisherman camp where they lived across the waters. There was no functional health care centre there and many homes did not have mosquito nets. Therefore many children born and bred there at the river banks, died of malaria, which could have been prevented or cured.
So I thought deeply about it, called a few friends and took a trip, crossing forests and rivers, until we reached the camps where we met the children and their parents and did a survey of the health conditions there. These children also were not educated as teachers didn't want to come to such an environment to teach them. We ate rice in their hut also, it was Easter Sunday.
So I told my team, our goal is to reach out to volunteers, government, partners and sponsors, then engage our time, efforts, resources and professional skills unto making underprivileged children healthy and smart.
Empowering communities through education, health, and compassion, our NGO stands at the forefront of change. In our dedication to child education, we strive to unlock every child's potential, ensuring access to quality learning regardless of circumstance. Complementing this, our commitment to child health drives initiatives that provide essential medical care, nurturing not just bodies, but also bright futures. Through targeted medical outreaches, we extend our reach beyond borders, offering hope and healing to underserved communities. Every step we take is a testament to our belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive. Join us in our mission to build a world where every child's right to education and health is not just acknowledged, but fiercely protected.
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Christian Oko is a Nigerian Doctor, commited to the health and education of underprivileged children in Nigeria. He studied medicine at the University of Nigeria under merited scholarship by Shell Petroleum and Exxon Mobil Ltd and later founded this organisation to continue the Community Development works which did with others during his national service year. In 2017, he served in Bayelsa state, and did more than 20 Community Development Service Projects, for which he received the Governor's best Corper award. During that period, he partnered with the WHO and UNICEF to eradicate polio and monkey pox from Nigeria.
With the Healthy and Smart Children Foundation, Dr Christian continues to do lots of works of impact in the communities for which he was later awarded the UK Chevening Award for Global Leaders in 2019. This included a Health Economics and Policy MSc Scholarship at the University of Birmingham, one of the prestigious Russell schools in the UK. There he was a member of the School Board of Trustees, representing more than 10,000 international students. He later won another scholarship for a Masters in Public Health, and did a diploma in Health Research at the Lancaster University. In 2021, he recieved the NYSC Nigerian Presidential Honours Award where he was further offered a scholarship and employment opportunity by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He has worked at several top organisations like the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and was involved in Covid-19 research with the University of Oxford and Global Surgery research with the London School of Economics and UK National Institute for Health Research. He also works as a clinician in the hospital as he continues to lead the organisation. He received the Global Surgery Advocate award, for improving surgical care for children in Ebonyi state Nigeria.
Christian enjoys planning and executing impactful projects that will improve the health and education of underprivileged children. He also loves meeting people who share the same vision as he partners with them to reach out to a wider population. He sings and plays the piano and likes writing poems.
Sinéad is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. She holds a post-graduate Certificate in Education.
Sinéad has worked for over 30 years in education. Firstly, in adult education and for the last 25 years in post-primary schools mainly in Northern Ireland. She held the position of Charity Co-ordinator during one of her tenures. She co-ordinated charitable events to fundraise for both local and international charities but also helped promote awareness and develop a greater understanding of inequality on a local and global scale within her school community.
Sinéad is passionate in her belief that every child should have the chance to reach their full potential irrespective of religion, race or socio-economic background.
Eloi Augustine is a medical Laboratory Scientist with years of experience in laboratory practice and management, and also an online Digital Entrepreneur.
He is the head of Laboratory Services at De-gilead Unique Medical Synergy, Abuja.
Sct. Eloi Augustine is passionate about grooming young people and help them become better people in life, by providing all needed support, guidance and mentorship.
He is experienced in teaching and a wonderful educationist, committed to building people and help them discover their God given talent and skills.
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Daniel Okpani Iheanacho, an experienced Medical Doctor with a Master’s in Public Health, I am passionate about Primary care, healthcare financing, policy, and Health Technology Assessment (HTA). I am dedicated to reducing health inequalities, particularly in underserved communities, and have been instrumental in the founding and management of the HASCF, driving impactful health interventions.
As the pioneer Project Manager of HASCF, It has been an honour contributing my expertise to shape the future of Children in underserved communities. Currently, the Research and Academic Coordinator and a Member of the Board of Trustees.
Anasiudu Uche Maryjoy is a Chemistry Graduate, Certified CPD and 21st Century Educator by Alison and Microsoft respectively.
She is an Administration and Data Entry specialist with over 5 years experience in Security and Safety, Accounts, Logistics and Operations.
All her qualifications, certifications and experiences are channeled towards transforming and positioning the lives of Children and Youth to be all that God wants them to be.
Japhet Effiong Thomas is a forensic Auditor, humanitarian, Writer, conference speaker,
He is an a professional Accountant with years of concrete experience in Management, finance, Economics, Education, Business and entrepreneurship.
Amb. Japhet Effiong Thomas is the founder of AGRIC-GOLD company and one of the leading consultant to SMEs in Nigeria and West Africa .. His passion is job creation, Destiny building, and humanitarian services...
My passion for improving the health and education of underprivileged children has driven me to take on various roles in the community, including serving as a board member with Healthy and Smart Children Foundation.
Through this role, I have been able to advocate for and implement programs that ensure children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to quality healthcare and educational opportunities.
My commitment to this cause stems from a deep belief that every child deserves a healthy start and a strong foundation for their future.
Dr. Christian Oko
Executive Director
Camila Upkai
Executive Secretary
Kelechi Onwukwe
Finance Officer
Mr. Maurice
Outreach Manager - Health