SID Advocacy

SID is actively advocating for the creation of government policies, both at the state and national levels, that make swimming (which we consider a basic human right) mandatory in public schools. Where government funding falls short, we aim to seek alternative funding sources to support implementation.

We are committed to consistently producing and sharing powerful content that highlights the dangers of ignorance and its cost to African communities. Through educational materials such as documentaries, short films, and youth leadership and mentorship programs, we aim to inspire awareness, action, and long-term change.

Swim Guru Emeka

At SID, we are amplifying our Call to Action “for the people, by the people” through widespread education and awareness campaigns, including media outreach, rallies, and community engagement.

Making the radical transformation we envision a reality is what drives us. The one enduring virtue we need as Team Nigeria/Africa is consistency especially in uniting under the SID Movement to ensure that our advocacy leads to lasting impact.

Promoting a more just and inclusive society is central to our campaign. Disability awareness and inclusion and climate action, remain top priorities in our work.

CLIMATE CRUSADERS

Empowering society through education and raising awareness about how our choices impact the environment positively or negatively is key to the success of this advocacy.

In climate change decision-making, especially regarding planning and adaptation strategies, preparedness ranks highest. And what better way to prepare and empower communities than by teaching swimming at the fastest possible rate? Research shows that over 90% of the world’s natural disasters are water-related.

Accidents and disasters do not come with warnings. The SID Africa Project, with its core focus on water safety and survival swimming, stands as a symbol of true preparedness readiness that saves lives and prevents drowning.

By teaching survival swimming, we’re not just saving lives; we’re helping build climate resilience and actively contributing to the mitigation of climate change impacts in our communities.

SWIM IN 1 DAY PREPAREDNESS REPRESENTS THE FOLLOWING:

1. Preparedness is learning survival swimming — the first line of defense against drowning.
2. Preparedness is being ready to take on the world — equipped with skills that build resilience and confidence.
3. Preparedness is replacing fear and panic with courage and clarity.
4. Preparedness is healthy living — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
5. Preparedness is the power of knowledge — knowing how to act in emergencies saves lives.
6. Preparedness is driving a water transport revolution — easing road traffic and opening new possibilities.

Deadman float drill at pool

Swim@sea 1st class

One legged amputee champ at sea for his sea flight introduction.

survival is therapeutic as well

SID serves the interest of the most vulnerable.

Visually impaired (blind) excited that finally swimming has come to them, hurray!

The cycle for strategizing for disasters in general involves the following five stages:

1. Prevention. The best way to address a disaster is by being proactive.
2. Mitigation. Mitigation aims to minimize the loss of human life that would result from a disaster.
3. Preparedness,
4. Response.
5. Recovery

The SID motto: “BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY” already embodies the first four stages of climate preparedness which are the most critical for Africa at this time. These stages can be carried out by the people, for the people, without relying on government intervention or political processes.

The SID Africa Project, through our charitable efforts, represents mitigation a proactive approach aimed at minimizing the loss of human lives caused by natural disasters.

We are living in a climate emergency. If we fail to act, Africa in particular could face catastrophic consequences, possibly even extinction.

Our mission is to bring the people along on this SID Climate Journey, offering practical solutions to combat the ignorance that continues to worsen an already dire situation. The simple remedies we suggest below are rooted in community action and survival empowerment.

Advocating for simple, practical habit changes that positively impact our deteriorating climate is the Swim in 1 Day way of empowering the masses. Through awareness campaigns and educational outreach, we emphasize how important every individual’s contribution is in the fight to save our planet.

Below is the SID “Minimize to Save the Climate” list of actionable suggestions:

1. Clean after yourself — A clean environment keeps water drainages free from blockages caused by waste. Providing trash cans and encouraging proper disposal helps immensely.
2. Use fewer diesel vehicles — Reducing emissions is key. Consider electric or solar-powered vehicles. Carpooling or using public transportation helps reduce the number of cars on the road. Walking more also improves health.
3. Buy local — Choose Made-in-Nigeria or local products over imported goods to reduce carbon footprints and support local economies.
4. Reduce generator use — Reduce emissions by choosing cleaner energy alternatives like solar. Renewable energy is the future.
5. Reduce electricity use — Use energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs to cut down power consumption.
6. Smoke less, protect others — Reduce smoking and completely prohibit it indoors or around children and vulnerable individuals. It’s part of creating a healthier environment.
7. Plant trees, don’t cut them — Every tree counts. Trees are essential in combating climate change. Use less paper.
8. Recycle plastic — Don’t waste plastic. Recycle and reuse wherever possible to reduce pollution.
9. Keep beaches clean — Beaches are not dumping grounds. Protecting our waterways also means protecting marine life.

These are the driving forces behind our choices at SID

Leaving No One Behind: SID’s Call to Action!

Persons with disabilities are significantly more likely than others to face adverse socioeconomic conditions—limited access to education, poor health outcomes, fewer employment opportunities, and higher rates of poverty. To truly end poverty and promote shared prosperity, we must ensure that no one is left behind.

Africa, and indeed the world, must work toward building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities by dismantling the barriers that prevent full social and economic inclusion for persons with disabilities.

SID AFRICA’S UNIQUE INCLUSIVE APPROACH

An inclusive economy makes for a progressive and successful economy.

Disability inclusion drives economic growth. When we plan with disabled people in mind, we move from sidelining them to celebrating their unique talents. Inclusive policies empower them to be productive, independent, and ambitious, breaking down ignorance and discrimination. Advancing the SID Mission is a shared African responsibility.

Swim in 1 Day SID Africa’s ‘Unique Inclusive Approach’ to disability awareness and inclusion emphasizes demonstrating capabilities by promoting excellence to foster genuine respect and lasting inclusion. We create holistic and empowering experiences for individuals with disabilities, seeking to make their lights shine brighter by showcasing that not only can they do things that people without disabilities can, but often they can do them much better. This unique approach combines the following elements:

1. Empowering individuals with disabilities: Through swimming and other activities, SID fosters confidence, skills, and independence.
2. Raising awareness: SID’s approach challenges stereotypes and stigmas surrounding disability, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment.
3. Fostering excellence: By providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop their skills and talents, SID encourages excellence and celebrates these achievements on the SID Talent Exhibition page.

Some clear outcomes of this approach include:

1. Mindset shift: A mindset shift is underway as society witnesses the excellence and capabilities of persons with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive environment.
2. Renewed hope and aspirations: Many participants have found renewed hope, with some developing Paralympic aspirations and achieving milestones they once thought impossible.
3. Increased public awareness: Public awareness about water safety, survival swimming, and inclusive aquatic education has increased, leading to more proactive inclusion efforts.
4. Visibility and recognition: Persons with disabilities are becoming visible and celebrated for their remarkable swimming accomplishments, shifting the societal lens from pity to admiration.