World Values Day: NGO Calls for Partnerships to Impact Future Generations

Funmi Ogundare

Founder of Shape A Child, a social impact organisation dedicated to empowering children and adolescents with the knowledge, skills, and values they would need to contribute positively to society, yesterday called for partnerships with corporate organisations on value-based initiatives that could contribute to the development of social issues that would impact the lives of future generations.

The founder, Shape A Child, Ms. Izehi Anuge, made this call while briefing journalists on the organisation’s plans to mark the World Values Day (WVD)on October 19, with the theme “Values Bring Us Together,” in Lagos.

Anuge expressed concern about the erosion of social values, and harped on the significance of promoting awareness and actions that would enable the public to understand, explore, and embrace values that enhance compassionate and sustainable world.

According to her, “the impact of WVD on society is multi-faceted. Firstly, it encourages individuals and organisations to reflect on their values and consider how they align with their actions and decisions.” 

“This self-reflection can lead to personal and professional growth, fostering a sense of integrity and authenticity in individuals.”

She noted that the WVD promotes dialogue and engagement on the importance of values in communities and societies, as well as encourages conversations that bridge cultural, religious, and ideological differences, promoting tolerance, respect, and understanding.

She said: “This can contribute to building a more inclusive and harmonious society. Furthermore, the day serves as a catalyst for positive change and inspires individuals, groups, and organisations to take action in line with their values.

“Whether it’s volunteering, supporting charitable causes, or promoting environmental sustainability, WVD encourages people to translate their values into meaningful and beneficial activities, making a positive impact on society.”

Anuge, who is also an author, emphasised the need for schools to nurtureenvironments that fosters values, adding that by embracing values-based teaching methods, encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, and promoting diversity, schools could shape children into well-rounded individuals who can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

She disclosed that in the past seven years, the organisation has focused on developing an experiential learning approach and an integrated curriculum to address gaps and measure the impact of values on behavioral change and the society at large.

The founder described values as the compass that guides people on their journey through life, adding that this year’s theme speaks to unity, collaboration, and inclusion.

“Values are profoundly important for corporate entities to integrate into their organisational culture. Good values are not only essential in shaping children and young adult, but are also vital for businesses and society at large as they reflect personal moral and ethical values.

“We are thrilled to celebrate values not only on WVD but throughout October. Our collaborations with corporate organisations, individuals, and schools aligned with our mission will foster a value-based consciousness and social and environmental responsibility in our society,” she stated.

A partner and President of Kings College Old Boys Association (KCOBA), Dr. Leke Osunniyi, stated that children need creative thinking skills because the challenges in the society requires it.

Osunniyi said: “There is a whole vast aspect that we are not yet conversant with with our own children that is being introduced. It is a global movement and we want to see that children are prepared for the world of work and growing in a better place globally.”