National ID Enrollment at SECHILD: Recognition, Inclusion & Care

This past week at SECHILD was truly unforgettable. Thanks to the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) visited our Centre to enroll our children for their National Identification Numbers (NIN). This step was essential for the revalidation of the FHIS for both our children and caregivers — but beyond the requirement, it became a celebration of visibility, dignity, and inclusion.

After previous attempts in 2023 were halted due to system failures, seeing our children successfully registered was a dream fulfilled. Every photograph, fingerprint, and signature carried more than bureaucratic significance, it was recognition, affirmation, and respect for who they are.

Isaiah: Calm, Brave, and Seen

Isaiah was among the first to be captured. Lying calmly on the bed, supported by our attentive caregivers and support staff in bright SECHILD lemon shirts, he allowed the NIMC officer to complete the process with patience and precision. After setbacks in earlier attempts, witnessing Isaiah finally complete his registration was a quiet triumph of trust, patience, and care.

Favour: From Uncertainty to Identity

Favour, the little girl who was abandoned at SECHILD last year, sat calmly in her lemon SECHILD shirt as the NIMC officer carefully captured her photo. Her caregiver and support staff stood closely, offering reassurance through presence alone. That single click marked more than enrollment, it was restoration and recognition, turning her story of uncertainty into one of belonging.

Joshua, Juanita, Destiny, Mercy, Abdul, Maximus & Tersoo: Every Child Matters

Each child brought their own story to the day:

• Joshua sat quietly and cooperatively, his calm presence reflecting trust in his caregivers, support staff, and the process.

• Juanita’s laughter and joy lit up the room as the officer positioned the tablet, her caregiver and support staff ensuring she felt safe and supported.

• Destiny sat steady and confident, every detail captured with care and guidance from caregivers and support staff.

• Mercy, needing full support, was gently held and guided, her registration a testament to patience, love, and dignity.

• Abdul, Maximus, and Tersoo also successfully completed their registrations, each supported with individualized care, patience, and encouragement from caregivers and support staff. Their bravery and calmness were reminders of the resilience and strength of every child at SECHILD.

Every interaction highlighted the SECHILD philosophy: inclusion isn’t a task, it is a daily reality, and every child deserves to be seen, recognized, and celebrated.