A cloth bank is a system or organization that collects, sorts, and redistributes gently used or new
clothing to individuals and communities in need. It is also a response to a deeper, more pressing global
challenge: the environmental impact of clothing production and waste. While clothing banks have long
served as a way to support underprivileged communities, they now play an even more critical role in
addressing sustainability goals, particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production which
aims to promote sustainable use of resources and reduce waste.

Our journey began with a clear vision: to provide Eid al-fitr clothes to underprivileged families,
ensuring they could celebrate the festival with dignity and joy. We initiated this outreach by designing
and distributing flyers across hostels at the University of Ilorin. These flyers were not just
announcements; they were calls to action, inviting students and staff to contribute gently used clothing
that would otherwise go to waste. By encouraging donations of gently used clothing, we are not only
providing for those in need but also taking a stand against the environmental impact of textile waste.
Each piece of clothing donated will help reduce waste and support the concept of reuse, contributing
to more sustainable production patterns.

To facilitate this, we placed collection baskets in the hostels, making it easy for donors to drop off their
contributions. After a week of gathering clothes, we moved on to the dry-cleaning phase to ensure that
each garment was fresh and pristine for the recipients. We then collaborated with Abiade Dire, a
dedicated volunteer who expertly handled the tie-dye process, adding a vibrant touch to each garment.
The clothes were then sorted by gender and size, ensuring that each item would find its way to the right
recipient. With the clothes ready, we moved to the packaging phase, creating custom bags that were
designed specifically for this outreach, which not only served practical purpose but symbolized the
care and effort behind the initiative.

Our mission to touch lives began at Offa, where we started by visiting the King’s Palace. We sought
the King’s blessing and support for our mission, and his warm reception and advice were invaluable.
This endorsement not only validated our efforts but also strengthened our connection with the local
community. From the palace, we proceeded to the streets of Offa, where we identified children in need
of clothing. Distributing the well packaged clothes to these children was a deeply moving experience.
The smiles and expressions of gratitude we encountered were a poignant reminder of the impact of our
efforts. We captured these moments with photographs, preserving the joy and relief on the faces of the
recipients.

The success of this clothing drive was not a solitary achievement; it was a collective effort made
possible through partnerships and collaboration. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 17:
Partnerships for the Goals, our initiative exemplified the importance of working together to address
local challenges. SDG 17 emphasizes that no single entity can achieve the Sustainable Development
Goals on its own. Our collaboration with volunteers, local leaders, donors, and the Offa community is
a testament to the power of these partnerships. By joining hands, we were able to extend our reach and
make a far greater impact than we could have alone.

As we reflect on this rewarding experience, we are inspired to continue our efforts and build on this
momentum. Each small act of kindness contributes to a larger movement of positive change, and we
are committed to fostering this spirit of giving and community support.
We at Colgar sincerely thank everyone who played a part in this event. Your support and dedication
are deeply appreciated. If this outreach has inspired you, we encourage you to engage in similar
initiatives or start one in your own community. Together, we can make a profound difference in the
lives of those around us.

The post CHARITY CLOTHING DRIVE OUTREACH IN OFFA, KWARA STATE appeared first on Colgar foundation.

I quickly became involved in the same meetings I had seen my brother participate in as we planned our first social outreach project for the year 2024. Our plan was to visit a Community Grammar school in Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria to provide scholarships and educational materials to pupils. Despite primary education being free and compulsory, UNESCO has reported that the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria has reached 20.2 million, a figure that has doubled over the decades.

Alas, it was the day of the outreach and I was sure excited at the prospect of being a part of a notable cause as well as nervous as I had never assumed so much responsibility before.

I was picked up at my residence by the state coordinator. We met with other volunteers at the school and then proceeded directly to the principal’s office. We paid the school fees for 20 students and provided all students with socks, books, and pens.Afterwards, we went to visit the pupils in their classrooms. Our State Coordinator, Mr. Farooq Sanni, delivered a motivational speech about the importance of education in their lives. Following the speech, we organized a quiz competition on current affairs. The winners received branded t-shirts as rewards, courtesy of our sponsors: BAZ, STR, and DISTRICT.

I asked a few students about their career choices and an interesting conversation followed. One student, a boy named John, said he wanted to become a medical astrologer – a field of study I had never heard of. He explained what it meant; I left Tanke feeling more knowledgeable than when I had arrived. This further proves that providing ample opportunities for these students guarantees their success. They will not only run but also fly.

After distributing educational materials such as books, pens, and socks to the pupils, we took pictures with them before leaving. Their heartfelt “Thank you, Colgar” chants filled me with a sense of accomplishment.

I gained valuable experience after just one day of volunteering at a charity event, and I am thankful to our generous donors for their contributions.

If you are interested in making a real change in the society, don’t forget to check out Colgar’s website for information on how you can make a significant impact.

P.S.: I went to bed with a big smile plastered on my face after the outreach.

The post Partial School Fees Outreach appeared first on Colgar foundation.

Slide One: Representing the Boys
This slide pays homage to the backbone of Colgar—the boys. These are the folks involved in the raw execution of everything we stand for. It’s always a playful vibe with them, a blend of camaraderie and dedication. I wrote down names to shout out everyone who has contributed to the development of Colgar in one way or another. Special thanks to @babs for providing many of these names. If your name isn’t on here, know we’re still together in spirit!

Slide Two: The Call to Contribute
“Deposit @ Bank”—this was my first stroke on this piece. It’s not just a phrase; it’s a call to action. It symbolizes the collective effort needed to contribute to Colgar’s noble cause. The event center, Succoth Garden, also takes center stage in this slide. This venue holds deep significance for Ilorin residents and Unilorin students alike, as it has birthed countless memorable events, including Colgar’s unforgettable soccer outreach aimed at promoting and providing for the community.

Slide Three: Giving Back to the Community
Here, I tried to depict one of Colgar’s defining moments: giving back to the community. The building with stickmen in a queue represents the annual Cloth Bank event. This event embodies Colgar’s new motto: “No Bystanders.”

When I asked Babs about the term “Cloth Bank,” he shared the chaos and beauty of it all:

“It’s one of those outreaches where there’s clothes everywhere! My room, Ayanfe’s, Adebara’s, even Spinii’s—all packed with clothes. The car was full to the brim too. This year’s event involved over 100 volunteers, making it the smoothest yet despite its complexity.”

Slide Four: The Vibes and the Roots
This slide—the most detailed of them all—celebrates the vibrant energy that DJs bring to our events. Their contributions, both musical and financial, have been pivotal to Colgar’s growth. I also depicted two hostels that played a foundational role in our journey. These spaces weren’t just buildings; they were ecosystems of support, whether through hyped promotions or generous pockets.

The stage in this slide represents the culture that raised us—the “outside lifestyle.” Colgar was born from the genius of social interactions, a testament to the power of collective ambition and friendship.

Slide Five: Advocating for the Girl Child
This slide features two giant-sized schoolgirls, deliberately out of scale to emphasize the message. Inspired by a signboard from one of Colgar’s outreaches—“Not a Pad”—this visual underscores the importance of providing every female child with access to sanitary equipment, regardless of their background. As we advocate for the best for these children in their formative years, the message remains clear: no one should be left behind.

Slide Six: A Political Reflection
This slide takes a more political tone. The long-nose avatar symbolizes the lies the youth of this country have endured for generations. It’s a question of hope: Is the brighter future we’ve been promised truly within reach? The youth’s resilience and determination shine through despite the challenges.

This piece—a collaboration with @colgarteam—is a visual representation of the Colgar movement. It’s not just art; it’s a story, a journey, and a celebration of everyone who has been part of this mission.

Closing Thoughts from Babs and Kello
When I spoke with @babs about this project, he said:

“We’re commissioning this piece to tell our story in a unique way. It’s about the events, the people, and the moments that built Colgar.”
And I’m all in. This work resonates deeply because I was right in the midst of it all. From the university days to today, this masterpiece captures the essence of what Colgar stands for: friendship, ambition, and the power of community.

Here’s to the journey so far, and the road ahead!

The post Our Journey by Kello appeared first on Colgar foundation.

This discovery prompted the COLGAR team to lead an outreach on period poverty and menstrual care. On the 22nd of March 2024, we set out to government day secondary school in Ilorin, Kwara state and we were met with enthusiastic young girls eager to hear what we had to disseminate towards the cause. In as much as every young girl present learnt a variety of new things, I, in the same vein learnt a lot. It was quite startling to learn that majority of the young girls didn’t know what actions to take when they faced menstrual cramps. We educated them on what meals to abstain from and the foods to eat that could promote their overall menstrual health. They also learnt how to properly count the days in their cycle so as to enable them to prepare for their period day as most of them lacked access to a smartphone or the internet where they could reach apps like Flo that help to keep track of menstrual cycle days. 

One would expect that every lady should be able to afford a pad but this isn’t the case as most of these girls come from underprivileged families. Sanitary pads and tampons are a luxury for them, rather than the necessity they truly are. About 40% of them reported that they use tissues when bleeding due to the high cost of tampons.

In a bid to alleviate this challenge faced amongst the girls at government day secondary school, COLGAR distributed sanitary towels to each girl present as well as educate them on the proper usage of pad in order to maintain a proper hygiene. The girls were really excited to receive free pads as it would ease the financial burden of how to get pads for their next cycle. 

It was a really fun experience informing the girls about their body and learning on their different challenges as well as their lack of knowledge on critical things about their cycle. Sharing the pads was quite a seamless process as the girls were cooperative and receptive. As a team, the major challenge we faced was….

The highlight of the outreach for me was the inexplicable joy so evident on the faces of these young girls as they received their pads which made it a huge success in my opinion and this couldn’t have been achieved without the help of the volunteers, myself included who arrived at the venue on time and also ensured to assist with educating the young girls and sharing the sanitary towels as well as other refreshments. 

At COLGAR we do not relent in our efforts to alleviate period poverty and we’re constantly making plans to ensure our next “Fight period poverty outreach” surpasses the previous one. We believe with this small acts of kindness and enlightenment we can reduce the amount of young ladies suffering from period impoverishment. 

This article is also a prompt to everyone who comes across it to indulge in conversations about period poverty and also try to the best of their ability to give out free pads to those who are in dire need. You could also spread information about the cause through social media. 

If you would like to be a volunteer at COLGAR or donate to support, kindly visit www.colgar.org . Together we can FIGHTthe pandemic called PERIOD POVERTY.

The post FIGHTING PERIOD POVERTY appeared first on Colgar foundation.

In the heart of Nigeria’s rural communities lies a pressing issue that often goes unnoticed – the lack of access to adequate clothing. For many individuals living in these regions, acquiring new clothes can be a luxury they cannot afford. However, a ray of hope shines through the concept of cloth banks. In this blog post, we explore how cloth banks can become a catalyst for positive change, providing a sustainable solution to the clothing needs of rural communities.

The Clothing Crisis in Rural Communities:

In rural areas of Nigeria, impoverished families struggle to meet their basic needs, and clothing is no exception. Lack of financial resources means that new clothes are often unattainable for many individuals, leaving them with worn-out and inadequate apparel. This not only affects their self-esteem but also exposes them to health risks associated with improper clothing during harsh weather conditions.

The Power of Cloth Banks:

A cloth bank is a revolutionary concept that can transform the lives of individuals in rural communities. Acting as a bridge between those with surplus clothing and those in need, cloth banks can significantly alleviate the clothing crisis. Here’s how cloth banks can create a positive impact:

1. Donations and Collections:

Cloth banks facilitate the collection of gently used and new clothing from generous donors. People from urban centers, NGOs, and charitable organizations can contribute to the cloth bank, channeling their excess clothing to those who need it the most.

2. Sorting and Distribution:

Upon collection, the cloth bank ensures that the donated clothing is carefully sorted to meet the specific needs of the community. This process guarantees that every piece of clothing finds its rightful place, catering to different age groups and gender.

3. Dignified Accessibility:

Cloth banks operate with utmost respect for the recipients’ dignity. Instead of simply handing out clothes, cloth banks create an inclusive experience, allowing individuals to “shop” for their preferred clothing items, thereby empowering them to make their choices.

4. Community Empowerment:

The presence of a cloth bank fosters a sense of community ownership and collaboration. It brings people together, promoting solidarity and support for one another. Local volunteers can actively participate in running the cloth bank, fostering a culture of self-help and empowerment.

5. Environmental Impact:

By encouraging the recycling and reusing of clothes, cloth banks also contribute to environmental conservation. They reduce clothing waste, minimizing the burden on landfills and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

Implementing a Cloth Bank in Rural Communities:

1. Community Engagement: Initiate dialogue with the rural community members to understand their clothing needs, preferences, and cultural sensitivities.
2. Collaborate with Local Leaders: Work closely with local leaders, community-based organizations, and NGOs to ensure the cloth bank’s success and sustainability.
3. Secure Storage Space: Find a suitable and secure location to set up the cloth bank, ensuring easy accessibility for community members.
4. Raise Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the community about the cloth bank’s purpose, encouraging clothing donations and participation.
5. Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously monitor the cloth bank’s impact and make adjustments as necessary to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Conclusion:

Cloth banks hold the potential to bring transformation and hope to rural communities in Nigeria. By providing a sustainable solution to the clothing needs of individuals, these community-driven initiatives can instill dignity, foster solidarity, and empower individuals to pursue a brighter future. As we strive to bridge the gap between clothing surplus and scarcity, let us embrace the power of cloth banks as a stepping stone towards a more equitable and compassionate society. Together, we can create a lasting impact and uplift the spirits of those who deserve the gift of clothing, one piece at a time.

The post Empowering Rural Communities through Cloth Banks: Addressing Clothing Needs appeared first on Colgar foundation.

In a society where education is deemed a pathway to progress, the barriers that hinder young students from accessing quality education can take many forms. One such distressing barrier is the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, particularly pads, for female students. In this blog post, we shed light on the taboo surrounding menstruation and the devastating consequences of inadequate menstrual hygiene management on young girls in Nigeria. It is time to break the silence and address this critical issue, ensuring that all students have the means to pursue their education with dignity.

The Taboo of Menstruation:

In Nigeria, menstruation is often surrounded by silence and embarrassment, leaving young girls to navigate this natural process without the support and knowledge they deserve. The stigma associated with menstruation can result in shame and misinformation, perpetuating myths that further isolate young girls during their menstrual cycles. This atmosphere of secrecy fuels the lack of awareness about proper menstrual hygiene management and restricts access to essential menstrual products like pads.

The Impact on Education:

The absence of access to menstrual pads profoundly affects young girls’ education in Nigeria. When faced with inadequate menstrual hygiene management, many female students opt to miss school during their periods, leading to frequent absences and compromised educational opportunities. This interruption in their education can significantly impact academic performance, self-esteem, and overall educational outcomes.

Unaffordable Costs:

For many underprivileged students and their families, purchasing menstrual pads can be an unaffordable expense. As a result, young girls are forced to resort to using improvised, unhygienic materials during their periods, which can lead to health risks and infections. The lack of access to safe and affordable menstrual hygiene products perpetuates a cycle of inequality and hampers girls’ chances of staying in school and succeeding academically.

The Call for Menstrual Equity:

It is time to prioritize menstrual equity and advocate for comprehensive menstrual hygiene management in Nigeria’s educational institutions. Menstrual equity ensures that every student, regardless of their economic background, has access to the menstrual products they need to participate fully in their education.

Addressing the Issue:

1. Menstrual Education: Breaking the taboo starts with education. Comprehensive menstrual education should be integrated into school curriculums, creating an open and supportive environment where students can learn about menstruation and proper hygiene practices without shame or stigma.
2. Access to Menstrual Products: Schools must prioritize the provision of free or affordable menstrual pads and other hygiene products to all female students. Collaborations with NGOs and governmental agencies can help ensure a steady supply of menstrual products.
3. Safe and Discreet Disposal Facilities: Adequate and hygienic disposal facilities for used menstrual products should be available in school premises, ensuring students’ comfort and privacy during their periods.
4. Engaging Community Dialogue: Initiating community dialogues can help dispel myths and misconceptions about menstruation. Involving parents, teachers, and community leaders can foster a supportive ecosystem that addresses the needs of female students.

Conclusion:

Menstrual equity is a matter of dignity, education, and human rights. Providing access to menstrual pads for students is not just a policy change; it is a transformative step towards creating a more equitable society. By breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and advocating for menstrual equity, we can ensure that all students can pursue their education without fear or shame, empowering them to reach their full potential and contributing to a brighter future for Nigeria. It is time to stand together, dismantle the barriers, and embrace menstrual equity as an essential part of advancing education and the rights of all students.

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