Concerned researchers, activists, social and development workers and community leaders met in a national conference on May 27, 2002 to deliberate on contemporary socio-economic dynamics as they affect children in Nigeria. A major conclusion was that the dwindling economic fortunes of the past years, the scourge of HIV/AIDS, prolonged military rule and wide spread corruption have had adverse effects on the rights, protection, growth and development of Nigerian children. It was agreed that there is an urgent need to articulate, formulate and implement programs and projects to promote the rights and meet the needs of orphans and vulnerable children and their families in the community hence, the formation of Centre for Children in Crisis (CENCHIC). Seed money for the take off of the Centre was derived from the implementation of Funds for Leadership Development (FLD) Program in Nigeria of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Chicago, won at different times by two of its founding members. This was complemented with the support from Plateau AIDS Control Agency (PLACA) with World Bank Credit facilities for the prevention and impact mitigation of HIV and AIDS in Nigeria. CENCHIC is a non-government, non-profit and child focused organization that seeks to improve the well being of children/young people in the community. The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees and registered with the Federal Republic of Nigeria. CENCHIC has an organizational structure with clearly defined lines of authority and responsibility with systems in place to ensure appropriate involvement of all levels of staff and the population we serve in decision making, program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
CENCHIC STAFF
Cenchic currently has 8 dedicated full time staff, 20 volunteer staff and interns with diverse educational background skills and experiences of working with children and young people. The work atmosphere encourages team work, information sharing among all staff members who are also expected to take initiative and be self-motivated. Cenchic Staff have been trained in the right based approach to program by Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Unicef Country Office Nigeria.
Vision
To be a self-sustaining, efficient and effective centre for research, information, ideas and innovative service to children particularly orphans and vulnerable children and their duty bearers in the community.
Mission
The purpose of Centre for Children in Crisis is to provide EXCELLENT SERVICE to children particularly orphans, vulnerable ones and their duty bearers and to help build a CARING, PROTECTIVE and SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT in which children can grow up to be useful citizens to fulfill their purpose in the family and the society. The vision and the mission of the organization have therefore been guiding principles in the choice, design, planning, and implementation of programs and projects.