Oasis of Love International Center for Women and Children (OLIC)
07054653179
Strength is service to humanity
Welcome to Oasis of Love International Center for Women and Children, a compassionate haven founded by Samuel and Oge Okafor in April 2018, with a steadfast commitment to uplifting women and children across Africa. Situated in Nigeria and registered as a non-governmental organization, we are dedicated to addressing the pressing issues of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and mental health in our communities.
Our range of services encompasses a holistic approach to healing and empowerment. Through mental health awareness campaigns, we strive to break down barriers and destigmatize discussions surrounding mental illness, fostering a culture of understanding and support. We conduct sexual abuse prevention awareness programs in schools, churches, communities, and markets, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their loved ones.
At Oasis of Love, we understand the importance of education and economic empowerment in breaking the cycle of violence and poverty. Our vocational and economic empowerment initiatives provide women and children with the skills and resources they need to secure sustainable livelihoods and build brighter futures.
In our commitment to reaching marginalized populations, we conduct outreach programs in prisons and orphanages, offering support and resources to those in need. Our medical and psychological outreach programs extend to communities, prisons, churches, and beyond, ensuring that no one is left behind in their journey toward healing and restoration.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, we operate mobile health programs, bringing essential services and support directly to those in remote areas. Through mental health counseling and psychological support, we offer a safe space for survivors of abuse, SGBV, and mental illness to seek guidance, healing, and hope. Our team provides comprehensive mental health assessments and psychotherapy, tailored to the individual needs of each client.
At Oasis of Love International Center for Women and Children, we are driven by a profound belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every person. Through our multifaceted approach to empowerment and support, we strive to create a world where all women and children can thrive, free from violence and oppression. Welcome to our oasis of love and healing.
Our Approach
Mental Health Education in School
Research shows that targeting mental health issues at a young age can result in better outcome later in life. Nigeria has a lot of people suffering from mental health disorders. Around 60 millions Nigeria suffer from mental health disorders. Rate of suicides is increasing in Nigeria. Half of mental health disorders start at the age of 14. Therefore there are needs to educate students and teachers on how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, types of mental health disorders and where to seek treatment
Access to Care
We are committed to providing only the most high-quality care. OLIC does not have a healthcare facility now but we provide psychological assessment and treatment of children and adolescents in school and communities who exhibit mental health disorders and behavioral problems. We also network with local clinics servicing village communities in which we work. Community members are trained by OLIC, They are trained on how to identify mental health problems and link with primary health care in the communities to provide psychological care to the children
Community Education
We believe that education on mental health is a critical component that needs to be addressed in order to diminish the stigma surrounding it. In order to address this component, we organize evidence-based mental health education workshops in rural villages. Our team works closely with local community leaders to establish a relationship allowing us to host impactful educational programming. Workshops include discussion, Q&A, visual aids, street plays, interaction with mental health professionals, and a video documentary explaining and depicting mental health symptoms and disorders.
Capacity Building
We train the youth in the communities to be mental health workers. The community mental health workers of our programs. They use their familiarity with the community and leverage on social networks so that we may efficiently reach more people. Furthermore, they support patients through their recovery and continue to educate the community about mental health by hosting workshops and peer support groups. This program not only allows us to increase access to care but mobilizes the community to take charge and improve the health of their own members.