Custos Care Foundation (CCF), a nongovernmental organization based in Enugu State, Nigeria, aims to promote social justice and reduce poverty and inequality by empowering underprivileged groups through skills development, health care, well-being and basic education. By working closely with local communities and partners, CCF seeks to drive sustainable change in Enugu State and beyond.

The Mama Care Initiative

According to a publication by PubMed, data from the obstetric unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Enugu, Nigeria, shows that between January 2003 and December 2005, there were 49 maternal deaths, 2,131 deliveries and 2,044 live births. This results in a maternal mortality ratio of 2,397.3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during the study period. In response, CCF recently launched the “Mama Care Initiative,” a significant milestone in providing one-year health insurance premiums for 1,701 pregnant women across Enugu State’s 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with approximately 100 per LGA in the pilot phase.

A notable case involved a baby from the Oji River LGA who was born prematurely at a primary health care facility. The family was unable to secure the funds necessary to transfer the infant to a secondary facility equipped with an incubator. However, with the assistance of CCF, the baby was successfully transferred to the UNTH, where she received the necessary care and support needed for her health and survival.

Child Abuse Awareness and Sensitization

CCF is currently organizing sensitization programs in primary schools across the 17 LGAs in Enugu State to raise awareness about child abuse. This initiative is anchored in two key program areas: social protection and basic education for all. The objective is to educate school pupils in Enugu State about child abuse, including its identification and prevention. So far, CCF has visited 13 schools, reaching approximately 6,000 pupils directly and more than 5,000 indirectly through media campaigns, including social media outreach.

Skills Acquisition Training for Women and Youth

The issue of poverty, exacerbated by unemployment and a shortage of skills, has significantly impacted the living standards of the population. While the current government in the state has made commendable efforts to build workforce capacity, the organization is also dedicated to bridging the capacity gap.

Through the CCF’s “Craft UP Initiative,” the foundation has trained 68 women and youth in the state in vocational skills related to leather work, including shoemaking, bag making and belt production. To further support their endeavors, it established a skills acquisition center focused on tailoring and leatherworking.

This center provides these individuals with the opportunity to utilize our state-of-the-art industrial machines at no cost, enabling them to produce high-quality goods in larger quantities.

Youth Aspire Boot Camp 2024

In 2024, CCF hosted a four-day youth boot camp for 100 young people from Enugu State, consisting of both male and female participants, alongside more than 30 volunteers and resource persons. Participants aged 15 to 20 were selected from various locations across the state, with a commitment to inclusivity that ensured equitable representation across gender, social status and abilities.

The youths acquired a diverse range of skills, including information and communication technology (ICT) competencies such as coding and the creation of 3D and 2D animations. They also developed vocational skills in areas like weaving, tailoring, bead-making, social media marketing and content creation.

Final Remark

By engaging with local partners and communities, Custos Care Foundation not only provides essential services but also cultivates a culture of empowerment and resilience. As it continues to bridge gaps in health, education and vocational training, CCF stands as a beacon of hope for underprivileged groups in Enugu State, driving meaningful progress and inspiring a brighter future.

– Staff Reports
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