12/02/2024
Hello lovers!
As it’s the beginning of a new week, We thought to share the awesome story of Oyindamola Laurina, the founder of Put A Smile Initiative(PASi) and how the journey all began.
The inception of this endeavor dates back to 2016, during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Oyo state, Nigeria. Her assignment in a local school community exposed her to profound challenges faced by the students – struggles to afford basic necessities, a concerning prevalence of teenage pregnancies, instances of abortions, and alarming dropout rates due to financial constraints.
Motivated by a deep aversion to witnessing such struggles, She took it upon herself to create positive change.Thus, PASi was born.
Her vision extended beyond a transient impact during her NYSC program; She aimed to establish a sustainable initiative that would benefit the community for years to come. Collaborating with a dedicated group of friends, They started by serving as counselors, addressing issues such as abstinence, career choices, and organizing skill empowerment and spelling bee programs amongst local schools. The latter, a competition within the school and neighboring institutions, rewarded winners with scholarships, easing the financial burden on parents and fostering academic excellence.
To ensure the lasting impact of PASi, they enlisted the support of permanent staff members at the school who now serve as ambassadors, coordinating and overseeing the programs. Expanding their scope, they identified teenage orphanages in the community, delving into their challenges and implementing impactful programs such as skill acquisition, career guidance, free education, life counseling, and the provision of basic necessities.
As word spread about the initiatives, individuals sought opportunities to contribute to the community during their birthdays. Responding to this interest, she connected them with orphanages in need, cultivating a symbiotic relationship.
Though the journey is ongoing, the evolution of PASi since 2016 is undeniable. Witnessing lives transformed by the collective efforts of individuals is immensely fulfilling.