The Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRCS, says it has commenced ‘Back to School’ campaign for the survivors of the collapsed building in Lagos Island.
Mr. Olakunle Lasisi, Secretary of the Lagos office of NRCS told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in an interview on Sunday in Lagos.
He said the project would help the survivors, particularly the students, overcome the trauma.
According to Lasisi, the branch decided to embark on the project after concluding its need assessment for the survivors.
“We’ve been able to reach out to the people affected and we’re trying to help them recover.
“One of the things they need to do is to go back to school.
“If they keep waiting at home, they will still be dealing with the trauma but if they’re sent back to school immediately, it will ease some of their burdens,” he explained.
The secretary further explained that the society was carrying out psychosocial support for the victims; through visits, counselling and provision of relief materials.
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He pledged the continued support of NRCS to the victims, as much as it could.
“For those who were residents of the building, we’re looking at relief materials, if possible, because it’s very important, they need to get accommodation.”
Lasisi disclosed that one of the survivors of the collapsed building, who lived at the penthouse of the building, had been transferred to another hospital for increased medical support.
The secretary commended the staff of the Lagos Island General Hospital for the care given to the survivors.
He also commended all those who had reached out to Red Cross to offer one service or the other.
Lasisi, however, urged individuals and corporate organisations to support the society’s project in helping the children go back to school.
“We are looking to provide 40 children with a minimum of N100, 000 per child.
“N50, 000 is what we’re looking forward to for school fees, provide uniforms, books while the remaining N50,000 will be given as stipends for the child.
“The NRCS can be reached at its office, located in Makoko, Lagos and by telephone on 08023310969,’’ he said.
No fewer than 20 lives,mostly pupils, were lost to the collapsed building.
NAN
