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From Research to Action: Strengthening Labour Rights for Civil Society Workers

At South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO), we believe that decent work and dignity in labour are fundamental to sustainable development. That’s why, with support from the Ford Foundation, we convened a workshop in Enugu that transformed evidence into action.

Building on Groundbreaking Research

The workshop was part of a multi-country study we conducted across Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, exploring key gaps in the civil society labour ecosystem, from employment dynamics to social protection, workplace safety, and worker representation.

Our goal was simple yet vital: to ensure that those who work every day to drive social change also experience fairness, safety, and respect in their own workplaces.

Co-Creating Solutions That Work

Civil society organisations, labour experts, and development partners came together to co-create actionable solutions. Discussions led to practical strategies for:
✅ Expanding social protection for workers
✅ Strengthening fair employment practices
✅ Improving workplace safety
✅ Amplifying worker voices and representation

These conversations were a blueprint for systems that work for everyone.

A Step Toward Dignified Work for All

The dialogue in Enugu marks a significant step in SSDO’s ongoing advocacy for fair, safe, and dignified workplaces across Nigeria’s civil society sector.

As we move forward, we remain committed to transforming research insights into policies and practices that uphold the rights, safety, and wellbeing of every worker.

Together, we are not just talking about change, we are building it.

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Taking Bold Steps to End TB: SSDO Marks Child TB Testing Week in Enugu

Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive in good health. This week, South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) joined hands with Caritas Nigeria, nine community-based organisations (CBOs), and the Enugu State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP) to make that vision a reality through Child TB Testing Week.

Bringing TB Screening Closer to the Community

Across 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State, our teams reached schools, health centres, and community spaces to provide free tuberculosis (TB) screenings for children. The goal was to detect cases early, link affected children to treatment, and protect others through awareness and prevention.

This collaborative approach demonstrates what’s possible when communities, health workers, and development partners work side by side to make public health truly accessible.

Why Child TB Testing Matters

Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s most persistent public health challenges, yet it is both preventable and curable. Children are especially vulnerable because symptoms often go unnoticed. By prioritising early detection, we can prevent severe illness, reduce transmission, and give every child a TB-free future.

Through awareness sessions, school outreaches, and one-on-one counselling, SSDO and partners helped families understand that early action saves lives.

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Standing Together for Climate Justice: SSDO Marks the Global Week of Climate Action

As part of the Global Week of Climate Action, South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) joined voices with young people, community leaders, and local advocates to call for urgent climate action in Enugu.

With colourful placards and passionate voices, young people, women, and community leaders joined SSDO and partners on the streets of Enugu to demand stronger local and national action against the climate crisis.

Walking for the Planet, Speaking for Our Communities

Our team took to the streets to highlight the urgent need for stronger local and national responses to the climate crisis. The rally created space for voices that are often unheard who live the reality of environmental degradation every day.

The Human Face of the Climate Crisis

For communities across Nigeria, climate change is no longer an abstract conversation. It is the flood that sweeps through farmlands, the heat that scorches crops, and the unpredictable rains that threaten livelihoods. These are not distant problems; they are local realities that require urgent, people-centered solutions.

Our march was a reminder that addressing the climate crisis is not just about policy but about people. It is about protecting homes, securing food systems, and ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind.

From Awareness to Action: On Air and On the Ground

To deepen public engagement, SSDO also took the conversation to the airwaves. We went live on Solid FM 100.9, where our team shared stories, insights, and community-driven solutions for a greener, safer Enugu. The discussion amplified voices from the streets to homes across the state, reminding everyone that the fight against climate change belongs to all of us.

Our commitment goes beyond one week of global action. Through continued advocacy, education, and community mobilisation, SSDO remains steadfast in promoting inclusive climate governance that protects people and the planet.

Because when we stand together in the streets, in schools, and even on the airwaves, real change begins.

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Restoring Dignity: Toilet Upgrades at Iva Valley Secondary School and Nsukwa Primary School

For many children, going to school should mean a safe space to learn, grow, and dream. Yet, across communities, inadequate sanitation remains one of the silent barriers to education. At South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO), we believe transforming education begins with restoring dignity, starting with clean, functional toilets.

From Iva Valley to Nsukwa: Change in Action

At Community Secondary School, Iva Valley (Enugu State), we recently completed the rehabilitation of 8 modern toilet stalls (including 2 for teachers, 3 for male students, and 3 for female students). This project, made possible through the generous support of a philanthropist alongside SSDO’s dedicated efforts, has turned a basic necessity into a source of pride. With access to clean, safe sanitation, students can now focus on what truly matters: learning and growing.

In Community Primary School, Nsukwa (Delta State), the transformation was even more dramatic. What began as two barely functional stalls has now become three fully rehabilitated, modern facilities, complete with a piped water connection to keep them clean and sustainable. This upgrade means that children no longer have to choose between education and health. They can attend school with dignity and confidence.

More Than Toilets: A Foundation for the Future

These projects are more than infrastructure improvements; they are investments in the health, dignity, and educational success of young people. Each rehabilitated facility is a step toward safer schools, healthier students, and stronger communities.

At SSDO, our sanitation transformation journey is just beginning. Together with our partners and supporters, we will continue to build a future where every child can learn in a safe, dignified, and supportive environment.

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From Stories to Canvass: Call for Artists – Cost of Justice Paint-a-thon

In May 2025, South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) invited community members to submit powerful stories for the upcoming Cost of Justice Anthology and the response was nothing short of inspiring. Voices of resilience, justice, and change poured in, painting vivid pictures of lived experiences that deserve to be seen and heard.

Now, we are taking the next bold step: bringing these stories to life through art on canvas.

Paint-a-thon 2025 is Here!

We are calling on young creatives in Enugu State to transform these stories into striking visual expressions. This is your opportunity to let your art speak where words stop; to inspire, to challenge, and to reimagine justice through creativity.

How to Participate

  • Click the link or scan the QR code to view the creative prompt
  • Create an original 2-D artwork (excluding photography & digital graphics)
  • Submit your work through the provided link or code

👉 Submit here: https://forms.gle/8RSs1U31rf62YCyL8j

Why Participate?

🏆 Win a ₦300,000 cash prize at the Paint-a-thon
📖 Have your work featured in The Cost of Justice Anthology, alongside real community stories
🌍 Be part of a movement that merges storytelling and art for justice and change

Deadline for Submissions

📅 12th September, 2025

Eligibility

  • 35 years or younger
  • Resident in Enugu State

This Paint-a-thon is a creative bridge between lived experiences and visual storytelling. Whether you shared your story earlier or you are picking up a brush for the first time, your voice matters. Your art can spark conversations, shift perspectives, and amplify the collective call for justice.