A prototype ECCI Child Centre has a main library stocked with papers, audio and leap frog books from a genre of fictional, non-fictional, Nigerian and foreign authored literature as well as autobiographies. There is also a room for non-readers where books are read creatively to younger children. There are music studios, Chess and Study rooms. The chess room is dedicated to chess activities and the chess mat is set at all times. The Centre has a games room reserved for football, video games, scrabble and other indoor games.
Objectives of the Centre
1. Contribute to the creation of a memorable childhood for children.
2. Create an avenue for the identification and cultivation of multiple intelligence in a child.
3. Preoccupy the children and reduce conduct disorders.
4. Develop children to be enthusiastic and imaginative readers.
5. Expose the Nigerian Child to requisite etiquette and problem solving skills to enable him/her be a socially responsible Nigerian adult.
Activities Available At the Centre
Our activities are geared towards a child’s self-discovery and self-assertion. The activities are subdivided into regular and holiday designated activities. Library services, football club, chess and music clubs are the regular activities. During the holidays, more expansive and creative activities are included to the regular club engagements. The ECCI facilities are free of charge and open to all classes of children irrespective of their socio- economic background. The establishment of these facilities is expected to build memories of self- sacrifice and social integration in children which would enhance their attainment of self-actualization in adulthood. Furthermore, it would encourage other citizens to give back productively to their community not just with a reward mentality but as a meaningful contribution to the development of our Nation.
Unique Features of ECCI Centres
1. Platform for the Exhibition of Acquired Skills
For every activity a child participates in at the Centre, effort is made to expose the child to an audience either through involvement in external competitions or organizing shows within the Community. This reduces social phobia and facilitates contact with talent scouts.
2. Fun Focused Activities
The principal objective of contributing to the creation of a memorable childhood mandates that material and activities in the Centre are structured towards inspiring pleasure. The library is stocked with books of various skill reading levels while storytelling and adult dramatic reading activities are regular parts of library activities. Furthermore, the fun of participating in a competition is the aim of most of the competitions rather than winning.
3. Community Involvement
Adults who wish to provide pro bono expertise or mentoring services are always welcomed to participate. However, participating adults are made to undergo rudimentary training on the psychological mien of the Centre. Aside from pro bono services, the community is encouraged to donate/suggest library books or activities for the Centre and attend/sponsor shows organized by the Centre.
Target Population
Children aged 5-12 years are the target population. They become members of the Centre following a formal registration. A child’s registration at the Centre is dependent on the parent’s discretion.
